BC 331 Posted December 31, 2018 https://thebiglead.com/2018/12/30/melvin-gordon-injury-los-angeles-chargers/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NFLdraftmaverick&fbclid=IwAR2EfdjPcxaV0w3n60lkp9jU8Bx4gmw8w4emnCsbOvasqLde_6uYT2bdWsk Chargers running back Melvin Gordon limped off the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s regular season finale and did not return. His effectiveness for his team’s upcoming wild card game in Baltimore is in question. This is the same side on which Gordon suffered a right knee MCL sprain on Nov. 25. Sunday was just his second game back, and he was still wearing a brace. The injury occurred when Gordon was tackled from behind and a defender fell on his legs. Effectively, it was similar to a horse collar-type tackle, but this tackle was not illegal. Gordon’s right foot was momentarily trapped. Fortunately he escaped and avoided a more severe injury. Even with a mild high ankle sprain, it is not a foregone conclusion that Gordon will play or be effective on Sunday. With this type of injury, there is minimal initial swelling. The key is to see how he is this morning and over the next few days. (Steelers running back James Conner suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 13, and after initial optimism from his team was downgraded and missed the next three games.) This is not to say reports Gordon will play next week are incorrect but simply that he is not certain to play. Not all high ankle sprains have a player out for prolonged periods of time. There is a variety of degrees of severity. This seems to be the lower grade (lesser) injury, but it is still something to watch closely. Expect him to be limited in practice this week. And even if he plays, he may not be completely effective, especially since he is still wearing a brace for the knee MCL sprain on the same side as this ankle injury. On the plus side for the Chargers is that backup Austin Ekeler is back from stinger/concussion, and the Chargers may also have tight end Hunter Henry back in a limited fashion as he has been practicing after missing the entire season due to a May ACL tear. Copyright © 2018, The San Diego Union-Tribune Melvin Gordon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
