Branden Oliver Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
Melvin Gordon is optimistic that he will play in Week 17
Perhaps the biggest piece of injury news for Week 17 is the availability of Chargers running back Melvin Gordon. Dealing with appeared to be a pretty nasty ankle injury that he suffered during the second half of last week's game, Gordon is now optimistic that he can play in Sunday's must-win game. The swelling is starting to go down and we should start to gain a true sense of Gordon's chances of playing over the next few days. If Gordon is unable to suit up, Branden Oliver would likely work as the team's featured back
Branden Oliver (hamstring) inactive Sunday; Keenan Allen (shoulder) and Melvin Gordon (shoulder) active, as expected
Oliver is a surprise inactive and will not play in today's game against the Denver Broncos after previously being listed as questionable on the Los Angeles Chargers injury report with a hamstring injury. His absence will continue to ensure Melvin Gordon a ton of passing down work, accruing 20 targets the last two weeks with Oliver unavailable. Additionally, Allen is active and will play this afternoon after previously being a late addition to the injury report with a shoulder injury. As for Gordon, his availability was expected and should receive a full workload as the main cog in the Chargers' game plan against this stingy Broncos defense. Allen is unarguably the team's number one wide receiver in terms of snaps and targets, but he draws one of the worst matchups possible against the Broncos' 3rd ranked pass DVOA versus opposing number one wideouts. Allen is nothing more than the deepest of tournament plays in a terrible matchup and coming off of a late-week injury designation.
Branden Oliver (hamstring) ruled out for Week 5
Oliver wasn't a fantasy factor behind Melvin Gordon but his absence should bolster Gordon's already-high share of the snaps and touches.
Branden Oliver (hamstring) isn't practicing again Friday
Oliver appears to be on the doubtful side of things for Week 5.
Branden Oliver sent to IR, ending his season
Oliver will miss the rest of the season with turf toe. He hasn't played an integral role in 2015, with first-round pick Melvin Gordon eating up most of the work on 1st and 2nd downs, so this news doesn't change much for the Chargers. Gordon will continue to eat up early down work with Danny Woodhead solidified as the 3rd-down/pass-catching back.