The Los Angeles Chargers are going to be without Melvin Gordon for the foreseeable future, which could keep him out against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Just when he had more momentum than ever before in his career, Melvin Gordon has hit a wall.
The Los Angeles Chargers running back has enjoyed a career year in 2018, but an MCL injury suffered against the Arizona Cardinals will definitely keep Gordon out for the immediate future and much of the rest of his season is also in jeopardy—depending on the results of further tests to come this week.
Gordon was putting up another strong performance in Week 12 against the Cardinals with two rushing touchdowns before he went down while hit in the backfield on a reverse. The early diagnosis was an MCL injury of some kind, but the worst case scenario was quickly ruled out as a late-night MRI showed there was no tear. By Monday morning, the diagnosis read a Grade 2 sprain for the one-time Pro Bowl running back.
Gordon was already injured coming into the game and was officially listed as “questionable.” Check out the following pre-game narrative:
Chargers’ RB Melvin Gordon, listed as questionable for Sunday due to knee and hamstring injuries, plans to play vs. Cardinals, per source. Gordon convinced coaches this weekend to give him a chance, despite some organizational interest in resting him for maintenance.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2018
Unfortunately for Gordon, the short-term desires to play every down and to not miss any time have turned into a bigger injury without an official timeline. It’s possible that Gordon only misses a week or two or even three and then returns for the end of the season. It’s also possible for an injury like this (along with other issues that were already plaguing him) to keep him out for the year. For now, Gordon is out and will likely be doubtful going forward for a few games.
A look at the Chargers end of season schedule shows just how tough the going will be for the Bolts to keep pace with the Chiefs and other elite AFC contenders:
- @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- @ Kansas City Chiefs
- vs. Baltimore Ravens
- @ Denver Broncos
Every single one of those games have the potential to be competitive, and all five teams will have postseason hopes to play for when they suit up—unless the Ravens or Broncos fall apart well before then, although both are trending well.
The Chiefs will still be in “seal the deal” mode in just three weeks, which means that Gordon’s timeline could keep him from suiting up at Arrowhead. Gordon’s presence is significant for L.A. against the Chiefs. In his last two games against Andy Reid and company, Gordon has put up 335 yards from scrimmage, including 193 yards receiving for Philip Rivers—showing himself to be a near-indefensible two-way threat that plays right into the Chiefs defensive weaknesses.
Beyond just the Chiefs, the loss of Gordon is going to be significant for the Chargers and their hopes to finish well in the regular season. A home game in the playoffs is at stake and even their outside chance to disrupt the AFC West and take the title. In the interim, Gordon’s injury places pressure on Austin Ekeler and this year’s seventh round pick Justin Jackson.
Rivers will be the captain of this ship going forward, but Gordon has risen in the ranks to give him a dependable asset to employ in the running and passing game. In fact, Gordon was likely headed for another Pro Bowl season if he’d stayed healthy. For now, however, the Chargers must weather the storm through the roughest waters of the season.