If one were to assess injuries by player reaction, the knee injury Chargers running back Melvin Gordon suffered Sunday might be considered season ending.

By video analysis, however, there is considerable hope that it is not.

Gordon entered the game against the Cardinals with left knee issues and a hamstring strain, having reportedly “talked” his way into playing.

Now his right knee is injured.


He was hurt on a gadget reverse play when the legs of a defender – while tackling the ball carrier who then flipped the ball to Gordon – whipped into Gordon’s right lower leg. By video, Gordon appears to suffer an MCL sprain that is lower grade. (Additionally, Eric Williams of ESPN cites a source saying it is an MCL sprain.)

The good news is the right foot was not stuck in the turf, or it might have been worse.

Based on the towel Gordon draped over the head, his emotional reaction and multiple players consoling him, one might fear the worst, such as an ACL tear.

I do not expect his ACL to be torn based on video review.


Players are often emotional with lesser injuries or stoic, as Alex Smith was last week, when having suffered a major injury.

It is an emotional game and a player’s reaction to injury cannot be equated to severity.

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said after the game that Gordon’s knee was “sore” and the team did not “know exactly what it is right now” and would receiver further evaluation Monday.

While I do not think Gordon’s injury is season ending, he is unlikely to play next week against the Steelers.


An MCL sprain makes cutting difficult. Straight ahead running is fine, but side-to-side movement is important for a running back.

A severe MCL sprain would be season ending, given Week 13 is coming up.

Hopefully, Gordon can be back for a Thursday night showdown on Dec. 13 in Kansas City that could be for the AFC West title.

It is fair to wonder whether Gordon should have been playing in the second half – with the Chargers up three scores. But coaches don’t think that way.


Often, when I was a NFL team physician, I cleared players based on a snap count. But once the game started, coaches and coaching instinct took over and pregame plans for limited play were modified.