Melvin Gordon out for Chargers-Chiefs, misses third straight game with MCL injury
The Los Angeles Chargers and fantasy teams across the country will have to make do without Melvin Gordon for one more week, as the running back is officially missing Thursday night’s game against the Chiefs.
The Chargers announced Gordon, as well as his top backup Austin Ekeler, as inactive for Week 15.
Our #LACvsKC inactives:
RB Melvin Gordon
RB Austin Ekeler
DE Chris Landrum
C Cole Toner
TE Sean Culkin
WR Dylan Cantrell
NT Brandon Mebane— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) December 13, 2018
The Chiefs will also be missing their top running back in Spencer Ware, who is inactive with multiple injuries. The team will be getting back safety Eric Berry after a 15-month absence. Back on the Chargers’ side, there have been mixed reports about Hunter Henry’s availability.
Gordon reportedly lobbied to play
Gordon has been out since suffering an MCL injury during a blowout win against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 25 and has since missed games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. He had practiced in a limited capacity on both Tuesday and Wednesday, but that was apparently not enough.
Gordon reportedly lobbied to play in the key matchup between AFC West foes, but head coach Anthony Lynn apparently felt that Gordon’s health for the rest of the season was more important than the Chiefs matchup for the 10-3 Chargers.
Fair to say Gordon was not happy about the decision.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) December 13, 2018
After a conversation with Anthony Lynn, he said it’ll be smart to hold him out tonight. Had to make a hard decision, but allowed Gordon to make a case. Their hope being that the #Chargers have plenty more big games ahead that they’ll need their star back for. https://t.co/YEdnll4RKT
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) December 13, 2018
Gordon was spotted stretching ahead of the game, but he didn’t exactly look like a player preparing to take on a pro-level workload.
All eyes on #Chargers RB Melvin Gordon as he stretches out before testing his knee. pic.twitter.com/Rj3WlkwUi5
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) December 13, 2018
Gordon’s next chance to play will come in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll have 10 days of rest to prepare, so it’s reasonable to think that might be the game Gordon finally returns.
Justin Jackson likely to shoulder Chargers RB load
With Ekeler also out this week with a concussion, the Chargers will likely turn to rookie Justin Jackson to fill the void at running back.
A seventh-rounder in the 2018 NFL draft, Jackson has posted 139 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries this season. He’ll get the first major action of his career against a Chiefs defense that ranks 25th in the NFL in run defense.
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