It's been a sight all too familiar for the Chargers this season.
A star player, down on the turf injured, carted off the field not to return.
Unfortunately, just like Keenan Allen, Danny Woodhead, Manti Te'o and a number of others before him, that same scene played out Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
This time, the cart was for Melvin Gordon as the running back sustained a hip injury trying to recover a loose ball 3:58 into the game.
"He's another guy you add to the list of impact players, and players who were going to help us," Philip Rivers said after the game. "Obviously, he's had a heck of a year. He's leading the league in touches going into this game, and obviously was a key part to us offensively. It was tough to see him go down. I'm glad that he's ok in the sense that it's not too, too bad I don't think. But obviously, you hate to lose him."
It's always a scary scene when a cart is required to take a player off the field. While there is no update yet on Gordon's status moving forward, as Rivers noted, his teammates were encouraged by his spirits following the injury.
"It's really hard to see that," Matt Slauson said. "I was able to see him at halftime, and he (was in good spirits). I'm very thankful for that. He's been doing a tremendous job running extremely hard. He's a great kid, and I want nothing but the best for him. I hope we get him back ASAP."
Players from both teams took to a knee in prayer for Gordon, who has 997 rushing yards and 12 total TDs in his second season. While he's impressed with his play on the field, he's also been a galvanizing presence in the Chargers locker room, which is why seeing him carted off the field was emotional for teammates and coaches alike.
"That was definitely tough to see," said Derek Watt. "He works so hard, and I know how much it means for him to be out there. It's unfortunate, but hopefully he'll be able to be back out there soon and better than ever. It's hard to see him go down, though."
"Obviously that was a blow for what we try to get done offensively," added Antonio Gates. "We always talk next man up. That's our philosophy. But make no mistake, you cannot replace a guy like that. You just can't. He's a big part of what we do offensively. We need him to have a speedy recovery."
