Heading into Sunday's matchup against the Bengals, both Melvin Gordon and Trevor Williams have been ruled out with knee injuries. Gordon is continuing his recovery from an MCL sprain sustained in the win over the Arizona Cardinals.
"We didn't feel like he was ready this week," Head Coach Anthony Lynn said of the running back. "He did some things and looks better, but we're going to keep him out. … I'm really encouraged with his rehab right now."
There are two Chargers who remain doubtful with their status being decided on gameday – Sean Culkin (back) and Brandon Mebane, who did not practice on Friday due to returning to Omaha, Nebraska, for family matters.
Los Angeles Chargers:
| Player | Position | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Culkin | TE | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful |
| Melvin Gordon | RB | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Brandon Mebane | NT | Not Injury Related | LP | FP | DNP | Doubtful |
| Trevor Williams | CB | Knee | LP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Austin Ekeler | RB | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | -- |
| Mike Pouncey | C | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | -- |
Throughout the season, the Bengals have been plagued by injuries, placing 14 players on Injured/Reserve. This week, elite wide receiver A.J. Green was added to that list with a toe injury. Listed as questionable is another wide receiver, Josh Malone (hamstring), who has been sidelined since Week 11.
In their absence, Cincinnati will lean on its young receiver Tyler Boyd, who currently leads the team with 938 receiving yards on 69 receptions.
Meanwhile, three of Cincy's starters have been ruled out for Sunday's matchup. Veteran LB Vontaze Burfict will be sitting out with a concussion, along with CB Dre Kirkpatrick (ankle) and T Cordy Glenn (back). Also out with a concussion is CB Tony McRae.
Cincinnati Bengals:
| Player | Position | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vontaze Burfict | LB | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Cordy Glenn | OT | Back | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| A.J. Green | WR | Toe (IR) | DNP | -- | -- | Out |
| Dre Kirkpatrick | CB | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Tony McRae | CB | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Carlos Dunlap | DE | Hip | LP | FP | FP | -- |
| Michael Johnson | DE | Pectoral | LP | FP | FP | -- |
| Josh Malone | WR | Hamstring | LP | LP | FP | Questionable |
| Joe Mixon | HB | Foot | LP | LP | FP | -- |
Practice Status
- DNP- Did not participate in practice
- LP- Limited participation in practice
- FP- Full participation
- (-)- Not listed
Game Status
- Out- Player will not play
- Doubtful- Player is unlikely to play
- Questionable- Player is not certain to play
- (-)- Not listed
