Melvin Gordon started this season with an elite workload. He was the team's first- and second-down back and a productive receiver out of the backfield. It didn't matter then that he was inefficient with his carries because he had a bellcow role on the Chargers' offense.

However, that dominant share of his team's running back opportunities could be in jeopardy. It was no secret that Gordon was dealing with knee, foot and shoulder problems this season. He played through them all and hasn't missed a game, but the team might reduce his role going forward due to the rise of Austin Ekeler.

Starting the season, Gordon averaged 75 percent of the Chargers' offensive snaps. In the last three games, he's averaged just 65.3 percent. Ekeler, on the other hand, has played over 30 percent of the team's snaps over their last three games.

Ekeler's touches during the game were certainly concerning for owners of Gordon in fantasy. Gordon logged 16 carries for 27 yards and 5 receptions on 7 targets and 15 yards. Ekeler had six fewer carries for 15 more yards than Gordon and converted all of his 5 targets into 77 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was Ekeler's biggest workload yet this season, and he performed much better than Gordon with the opportunity.

Gordon didn't appear on the Week 10 injury report, which could indicate that the Chargers might use the backs in a similar manner going forward. If that is the case, Gordon's inefficiency will catch up to him in fantasy football.