The San Diego Chargers are coming off what they consider an ugly loss to the Oakland Raiders in Week 7. Despite a big game from both Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead, the Chargers could not get the job done as turnovers and defensive errors caused their downfall. Now with injuries becoming an issue, the Chargers might be short-handed when they try for a comeback against the Baltimore Ravens.
Not present in the game against Oakland was Antonio Gates who is dealing with an MCL knee sprain. According to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com, Gates might not be present for several weeks as he opted to skip the MRI in hopes that he could heal the knee itself. Gates is confident the injury is not serious which is why he decided not to get it looked at further. With 187 yards and two touchdowns in just two games played this season, Gates is needed on the field.
"It was difficult with what I was dealing with, and how I play and how I move," Gates said, via ESPN.com. "Hopefully this week it's gotten a lot better, and I'll just see how it goes. It's kind of like day-to-day with me. I'm doing everything known to man to go out and play. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to be out after sitting out four weeks, and then having to come back and deal with something like this that's lingering."
With Gates out, Allen stepped in for a big game against the Raiders. The receiver had 89 yards off nine catches which kept the offense moving, but it was Danny Woodhead who made the most of his time on the field as the running back had 26 yards on the ground and 75 through the air with two touchdowns as well. The Raiders did not have an answer to his versatility and it is something that the Chargers could take advantage of more.
Right now, Melvin Gordon is struggling. The rookie has been dealing with ball security issues while having just 29 yards against the Raiders. It is Woodhead emerging the runner that should be on the field more times than not for the Chargers. Gordon admitted that he was not happy to not earn the start against the Raiders and being forced to watch the game more than play it. If the rookie can begin to step up in bigger ways, he will be the one of the field.
"I hate watching," Gordon said, via ESPN.com. "It doesn't sit well with me watching my teammates try to go out there and make plays and I'm on the sideline looking helpless, when I know I could help change things out there."
