Broncos release Melvin Gordon after his fifth fumble of the season

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Melvin Gordon’s days in Denver are done.

The Broncos announced Monday that the team released Gordon, midway through his third season with the Broncos. Gordon fumbled near the goal line against the Raiders on Sunday, his fifth fumble of the season. His five fumbles were the most of any non-quarterback in the NFL. It was his first fumble since Week 4 of this season.

Gordon produced 2,222 yards on 4.4 yards per carry in Denver. He added another 594 receiving yards, and 22 total touchdowns. His 3.5 yards per carry this year were a full yard worse than either of his other two seasons in Denver. His 31.8 yards per game were more than 25 yards worse than either of his last two seasons.

The Broncos currently have three running backs on their roster: Latavius Murray, Chase Edmonds and Marlon Mack.

Murray has led the team in carries in each of the last three games, despite Gordon starting each of the games. Murray, 32, is the likely starter now that Gordon is out of the picture.

Edmonds, whom the Broncos added as part of the Bradley Chubb trade, has earned some run as the top receiving back since joining the team. He had disappointed in Miami after earning a two-year, $12 million contract this offseason. He left the Broncos’ game against the Raiders with an ankle injury and did not return. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that Edmonds is expected to miss “a few weeks.”

Mack, 26, was part of the solution after Javonte Williams went down with a torn ACL. He hasn’t played yet with the Broncos, but he has 2,484 yards in his six-year career. Without Mack, the Broncos will need to add another back.

Mike Boone and Javonte Williams are on injured reserve. Boone could be abck at some point this season.

The Broncos also have Devine Ozigbo on the practice squad and could look to elevate him to the gameday roster.

If the Broncos look outside the building for help, Jermar Jefferson, Jashaun Corbin and Jaret Patterson are among the top options on practice squads.