San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon suffered a hip injury during Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers, and the team is still trying to determine how serious it is.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network is reporting that Gordon suffered a strain and wants to play through it.
#Chargers are gathering info on RB Melvin Gordon’s hip strain. Source said it’s week-to-week. But… he’s 3 yards from 1,000 & wants to play
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2016
While a hip strain sounds minor, that can be an incredibly uncomfortable and nagging injury for a running back. Gordon was obviously in pain Sunday, as evidenced by him needing to be carted off the field.
You can understand Gordon wanting to play, as he is having a breakout season in his second year. He has 12 total touchdowns and already 997 yards rushing. He also has over 1,400 total yards from scrimmage.
That said, the Chargers are 5-8 and have virtually no shot at making the playoffs. Rushing Gordon back and risking further injury would make little sense. Don’t be surprised if he misses at least a week.
