TUESDAY, 1:34pm: The Chargers have officially placed Gordon on IR, promoting running back Dreamius Smith from their practice squad to replace him on the 53-man roster, per a team release.
MONDAY, 3:24pm: Another rookie will see his 2015 season come to an early end, as the Chargers are placing running back Melvin Gordon on injured reserve due to cartilage damage in his knee, head coach Mike McCoy said today (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune).
While Gehlken initially indicated that Gordon will undergo surgery on the knee, Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (Twitter link) hears that Dr. James Andrews is evaluating the injury, and it’s not clear yet whether surgery will be required. Gehlken (Twitter link) has since confirmed that a decision will be put off until Gordon receives a second opinion.
It was a disappointing rookie season for Gordon, in the midst of a disappointing all-around year in San Diego. One of two backs selected in the first round – along with Todd Gurley – Gordon rushed for 641 yards on 184 attempts, an average of just 3.5 yards per carry. The 22-year-old has yet to record his first NFL touchdown or 100-yard game.
The Chargers have not yet announced a corresponding move to fill Gordon’s spot on the 53-man roster.