Broncos' Gordon 'hurt' by benching in MNF loss to Chargers

Running back Melvin Gordon didn't get an opportunity to make much of an impact in the Denver Broncos' 19-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.

The two-time Pro Bowl tailback was stuck to the sideline for the majority of the contest, including overtime, and didn't see the field after the second quarter.

Gordon didn't shy away postgame from expressing his disappointment with his lack of playing time against the club he spent the first five years of his career with.

"I'm not gonna lie. It hurt a little today watching," he said, according to NFL Network's Bridget Condon. "You know, (the Chargers) threw up the little clown logo on my face (on the video board), and I noticed it all. It sucked. It sucked knowing that I wasn't able to do anything about it - go out there and help my team win."

"It was a close game. Felt like I could've helped make a difference. But apparently not," he added.

The Broncos gave the majority of the work to Latavius Murray, who rushed for 66 yards on 15 carries. Backup Mike Boone received 18 snaps, while Gordon had just eight.

Head coach Nathaniel Hackett dismissed the idea that injury played a factor in the benching. "Not that I know of, no," he said.

Gordon was expected to see an increased role following a season-ending injury to Javonte Williams.

The 29-year-old has rushed for 201 yards and one touchdown on 55 carries this season. He also has 11 catches for 98 receiving yards.

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