Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon will not play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, but it appears he is on track to return for what will be the team’s most important game of the season in Week 15.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who originally reported that Gordon could miss the remainder of the regular season, said Sunday that the injury to the star running back’s MCL is not as serious as initially feared. Assuming he can get up to speed with a short week of practice coming up, Gordon should be able to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.
From @gmfb Weekend: #Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (MCL) is out today but there is a chance he plays on Thursday. His injury wasn’t as serious as they originally thought. pic.twitter.com/dxBJPm7hMS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 9, 2018
Depending on what happens Sunday, the Chargers’ game against the Chiefs on Thursday could ultimately determine who wins the AFC West and gets a first-round bye in the playoffs. Both teams have had outstanding seasons to this point, and L.A. enters Week 14 with a record of 9-3 while Kansas City is 10-2.
The Chargers managed a remarkable comeback win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road last week, and they are hoping they can handle the reeling Cincinnati Bengals at home without Gordon on Sunday.
