The Baltimore Ravens have elevated veteran running back Melvin Gordon to the 53-man roster following the season-ending ACL injury to undrafted rookie running back Keaton Mitchell in the Week 15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Head Coach John Harbaugh expressed confidence in Gordon when speaking to the media on Monday.
“Melvin Gordon [III] is a high-pedigree football player in this league,” Harbaugh said. “It’s almost kind of shocking that we’re going to have the opportunity to put him into the mix right now, and he’s been wanting to be into the mix. Like you said, he was up for three games. He’s been practicing and working so hard. Like he would say, ‘Hey. When the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.’ He had a smile and would say that to me once a week, and you [knew] it was true because he practices that way. I’m sure he was champing at the bit and wanting to get out there and contribute, so his opportunity comes, and he’s been there before. He’s a high-pedigree, great player. [He’s] talented. You can’t hide talent.”
Gordon played in three games for the Ravens earlier this season before the emergence of Mitchell. In those three appearances, Gordon carried the ball 13 times for 53 rushing yards while adding 46 yards through the air on three receptions.
Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are in line to take the bulk of the work as we advance, but Gordon should find snaps here and there to contribute down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs for Baltimore.