Melvin Gordon: Playing Status is Game-Time Decision

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon told reporters on Wednesday that his playing status for Thursday’s Week 15 game between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs will not be determined until game time.

Gordon said he has grinded hard all week so he can play, but the final decision has not yet been made, adding that his coaches want to be careful and do not want him to injury himself more.

Gordon sprained his right knee in a game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 and has missed the last two games, has looked better each day and appeared to be ahead of schedule prior to last week’s game versus Cincinnati, but his status for Thursday remains a big question mark.

Gordon told reporters that the decision to whether he plays or not would be made mutually between himself, the team’s medical staff and the team’s brass. Gordon has rushed for 802 yards and has scored 13 touchdowns.

Head coach Anthony Lynn said he was hopeful Gordon could play as he is one of the team’s better players and the team is trying to win every week to reach the playoffs; but if Gordon is not ready, he will not play added Lynn.

The short week adds to the problem said Gordon since he will not have a complete week of practice to show what he is capable of doing.

Gordon’s backup Austin Ekeler bruised a nerve in his neck last Sunday while trying to recover a Bengals onside kick near the end of the game. Ekeler was also diagnosed with a concussion and must pass the concussion protocol set up by the league is not likely to be cleared for the game on Thursday.

If both Gordon and Ekeler are unable to play Justin Jackson would start for the first time in his career. Jackson, who is a rookie, would be backed up by Detrez Newsome, another rookie.

Los Angeles quarterback Philip Rivers is working with both Jackson and Newsome to make sure both are comfortable for what is expected to be a loud and raucous Arrowhead Stadium crowd.

The Chargers are currently in second place in the AFC West at 10-3 one game behind the first place 11-2 Chiefs. The Chargers would be one of the two AFC wildcard teams if the season were to end today.