When Melvin Gordon was carted off the field Sunday with hip and knee injuries, many assumed the worst. With only three games remaining, Gordon's resurgent second year appeared to be over. Even after getting an encouraging diagnosis Monday, that worst-case scenario is still possible.
For now, here's what we know: The injuries will most likely cost Gordon at least one game.
Chargers coach Mike McCoy said Wednesday that Gordon is highly unlikely to play Sunday against the Raiders.
Mike McCoy on Melvin Gordon: "It's highly unlikely that he'll be able to play" Sunday vs. Raiders. Added he's working hard to be back ASAP.
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) December 14, 2016
That's the bad news. The good news is that Gordon said he's targeting Week 16 (against the Browns) as his date of return.
Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (hip, knee) said he's "aiming for next week. ... I'm recovering a lot faster than I thought I would."
— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) December 14, 2016
In his place, rookie Kenneth Farrow will take over as the team's lead back. On Sunday, Farrow rushed for 55 yards on 16 carries and caught six passes for 23 yards. So, Gordon will undoubtedly be missed.
After a disastrous rookie year (641 rushing yards and zero touchdowns), Gordon has rebounded with 997 rushing yards and 419 receiving yards. He ranks fifth in yards from scrimmage, and he's scored 12 touchdowns.
At 5-8, the Chargers are pretty much done, so they will likely proceed with caution even if Gordon wants to hit the 1,000-yard mark.
