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San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is reportedly dealing with an ankle injury, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network.

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Gordon Practices Thursday; Chargers Still Cautious

Friday, Aug. 21

Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Gordon isn't expected to play Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals and added more details on Gordon's status: "He's dealt with a minor ankle injury, and while there is no doubt he'd play if this was a regular-season game, the coaching staff prefers to take precaution with not only Gordon but others dealing with various nicks following a three-week training camp."

Dan Hanzus of NFL.com reported Gordon did practice Aug. 20.

Gordon rushed for 11 yards on six carries in his NFL debut last week against the Dallas Cowboys.

He dealt with a hip pointer as a redshirt junior at Wisconsin, but he still managed to appear in all 14 of the Badgers' games during a season that culminated with a 34-31 Outback Bowl victory over Auburn.

The Chargers proceeded to select the Heisman Trophy finalist after trading up to the 15th pick in the 2015 NFL draft.

Pegged as the replacement for former first-round selection Ryan Mathews, Gordon's physical tools made him a logical choice to operate as San Diego's bell cow upon arrival. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich is looking forward to using him, according to Gehlken:



You can see he has great vision. You can see he has great patience. And he's just got great physical ability. ... I don't want to say too much because he's got to do it. But I'm just very excited about him, like off-the-charts excited.

With a platoon of Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and Donald Brown comprising the rest of San Diego's depth at tailback, the Chargers have the bodies necessary to withstand a few bumps and bruises to the rookie runner.