The San Diego Chargers are hoping to rebound after a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers as they prepare to face off against the Oakland Raiders. After Philip Rivers breakout performance in Week 6, things could be a little tough on Sunday as injuries hit the roster. Keenan Allen is coming off a big game against the Packers, but a hip injury could prevent a follow up performance.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Allen suffered a hip flexor injury on Sunday, but it is not expected to be a serious issue that would cause the receiver to miss game time. Losing Allen would be a huge hit for the Chargers. The receiver leads the NFL with 53 catches this season. He put up 14 of those on Sunday for 157 yards. Allen was injured in the third quarter of the game. He tried to continue playing, but ended up getting pulled as it was clear he was struggling. Schefter reports that he expects Allen to play in Week 7 despite the injury.
The Chargers need Allen as their run game remains inconsistent. Dealing with fumbling issues, Melvin Gordon is not having the start to his NFL career that he was hoping for. The running back was benched in Week 6 as Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead took charge. Allen made it clear he will fix the issue and quickly.
"I feel like I could have been out there helping the guys out," Gordon said, via ESPN.com. "And I wasn't out there because I made some mistakes. That's totally on me, and that's what kind of hurts most. You have to be focused on all areas, man. You have to go out there and play ball, but fumbling as a running back just shouldn't happen. Even though you want to play fast and things like that, fumbling -- there's just no excuse for it."
Gordon will maintain his spot as the starter, but if the fumbling continues, he can expect to be benched again. If Allen were unable to play in Week 7, Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd would be the top two threats for Rivers. With the depleted secondary of the Raiders, Rivers can make an impact with whoever is on the field for the team. Rivers simply wants to capitalize on the momentum gained despite the losses.
"It's a tough loss against a team that will be playing well into January," Rivers said, via ESPN.com. "There's no consolation in that. But it's going to turn if we keep fighting like we're fighting. We're going to get on a roll at some point. But we have to believe that first, and I think our guys do. But our resiliency is going to be tested losing two like we've lost."