Chargers likely to be without Melvin Gordon for a game or two, at least

The Los Angeles Chargers are 8-3 and everything is right in the world. But lost in the shuffle of their dismantling of the Arizona Cardinals was an injury to runnng back Melvin Gordon.

Gordon went down after having his legs taken out by an Arizona defender one what was going to be a reverse after getting the toss from Austin Ekeler. Gordon went down in pain, and it was clear he was hurt.

Following the game, reports surfaced that Gordon suffered some sort of MCL injury and that further tests would be required to determine the exact extent of the injury.

Gordon was questionable leading up to the game with a hamstring injury and facing what has been one of the league’s worst teams, it can be argued that Gordon should have been rested for this game. Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but what was he doing in the game running that play while the team held a comfortable 28-10 lead?

Doubt #MelvinGordon @Chargers season is over but also no guarantee he plays next week. Low grade MCL is my hope which could mean 1-3 weeks but can't be certain on severity based on the video. https://t.co/ogtu5ijcEp

— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) November 25, 2018

Now, it’s a real possibility that Gordon won’t be in the lineup when the Chargers go on the road to face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week and perhaps beyond that. Sure, the team has capable depth in Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, but in Gordon, they would be losing a big chunk of their offense.

On the season, Gordon has rushed for 802 yards and nine touchdowns. In the passing game, he’s caught 44 passes for 453 yards and four more scores. In addition, neither Ekeler or Jackson has proven to be the type of workhorse, between-the-tackles runner that Gordon is.

Needless to say, the Chargers may have to switch up the game plan a bit when they travel to Heinz Field next week. In the process, they’ll have to hope the injury is something Gordon can bounce back from sooner rather than later.