Los Angeles Chargers expect RB Melvin Gordon to return soon

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon's stay on the bench could be a relatively short one.

Gordon has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1) with a sprained MCL in his right knee. He could return, however, as early as next week against the Cincinnati Bengals or versus the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 13, ESPN reported.

The 25-year-old Gordon was injured on a reverse early in the second half of last Sunday's 45-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, with a leg whip by defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche taking him down for a 10-yard loss. Los Angeles (8-3) was leading 28-10 at the time.

Gordon has a team-leading 802 rushing yards on 153 carries for 5.2 yards per carry. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Gordon also has 44 catches for 453 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns (nine rushing, four receiving) on the season.

Austin Ekeler received the bulk of the work when Gordon departed last Sunday's contest. Ekeler has carried 70 times for 409 yards, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry with one touchdown. He's also caught 32 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns.

Rookie seventh-round pick Josh Jackson carried seven times for 57 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry against the Cardinals.