Chiefs’ Andy Reid on signing of RB Melvin Gordon: ‘Maybe there’s a time he can help us’

The Chiefs signed running back Melvin Gordon to their practice squad earlier this week.

They were certainly familiar enough with the former two-time Pro Bowler, who has spent his entire career in the AFC West.

“He’s sure been a heck of a player in the league,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday. “I mean, one thing we do know is we know him, whether he was with the Chargers or with Denver. So we know what kind of player he is, and maybe there’s a time here he can help us, too.”

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who has played against the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Gordon over the past eight seasons, agreed.

“He’s a hard runner,” Jones said. “I had the pleasure of playing him my first three to four years, the San Diego Chargers then before they moved to L.A., so him and Philip Rivers together a long time.

“He’s well-respected in high regards in this organization, so we’re very fortunate to have him. I think he’ll be a great asset to our running back room and it’ll be fun to watch him play.”

In 11 career games against Kansas City, the eighth-year pro has totaled 774 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 166 carries. He also made 33 catches for 359 yards.

Gordon has enjoyed a productive career overall, rushing for 6,462 yards and 53 touchdowns on 1,567 carries, with 309 catches for 2,467 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Where he fits into the Chiefs’ plans down the stretch, though, remains to be seen. They currently have rookie Isiah Pacheco, Ronald Jones and Jerick McKinnon on their active 53-player roster, along with fullback Michael Burton. Pacheco leads the group — and the Chiefs — with 455 yards rushing.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) remains on injured reserve and is eligible to return in Week 16, but Gordon does provide insurance in the event there’s a setback in Edwards-Helaire’s recovery process.

Gordon is a proven veteran presence if ever the Chiefs should need him.

“We’ll just see, and that’s kind of the way we explained it to him,” Reid said. “We’ll just see where this thing goes and where he’s at, and where the running back situation goes.”