You're probably reading this article because you have Melvin Gordon on your fantasy football team and are worried about the starting running back's knee injury. While it looks like Gordon will be fine and will play this weekend, Branden Oliver is still worth a roster spot for you.
RELATED: AFC West RB Rankings
MORE: WATCH: NFL 2017: The Top Plays of Week 3
Oliver is the clear second option to Gordon — third string back Austin Ekeler has just a few snaps on the season and Oliver gets work even when Gordon is healthy.
The problem for Gordon is his knee injuries have been nagging for what seems like his entire career so far. For a recent first round draft pick and the future of the position for the Chargers, L.A. should be taking serious steps to preserve his future.
If that means cutting his carries by a few per game, that's where Oliver steps in.
Oliver should be in line for more carries as the season goes on regardless of Gordon's injury status (obviously, if Gordon is out, Oliver will be in line for more work). The Chargers should try to save Gordon's knees a bit (literally) by spelling him earlier in games.
But even if Gordon starts the rest of the season, Oliver could being for some big games. The Chargers have had trouble keeping games close, hell they have had trouble winning a game so far, so you know they'll be throwing the ball a lot.
Gordon is a capable receiver — he's improved each year since his last year at Wisconsin — but he's still not what you would call a receiving back. Oliver already has more grabs this season (15 to 12) although Gordon has been more elusive after the catch (90 yards to 57).
He's proven since coming to the league from Buffalo that he can be a capable third-down back, but he's had his own injury issues. After a 14-game rookie season in 2014 (160 carries, 582 yards, 3 TD; 36 catches, 271 yards, 1 TD), Oliver only played in 8 games in 2015 and missed all of 2016.
But he's back this year and is showing he can be a productive member of a Chargers offense that has the ability to be prolific.
Oliver deserves a spot on your fantasy team, and he could be in for some big games this year.
[divider]
FANTASY FOOTBALL: How Geronimo Allison Went From Ineligible High School Receiver to Packers' Secret Weapon
