They need to save that for the AFCCG.

Personally kinda hoping Gordon plays. There’s no way he is that close to 100%.

If Gordon is not 100%, which he won't be... I just don't see how LAC win @ KC. Sure, they can make it interesting, but Ekeler is also very questionable. So, it's going to be an airshow with Rivers, that's all they've got and not sure Rivers on the road in a big game is what they want.

My guess is that KC wins by 10-13 points...

Ekeler is out essentially. In the concussion protocol and working through a nerve issue in his neck (stinger).

Of course, we may be down Ware too so it could be 3rd back vs. 3rd back. Advantage Chiefs at home with Mahomes over Rivers.

[Wyche] The Chargers are not optimistic that running backs Melvin Gordon (knee) and Austin Ekeler (neck, concussion) will be ready for Thursday's huge AFC West matchup at Kansas City, HC Anthony Lynn told me. Rookie RBs Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome likely to be the spot

Oh shit

Justin Jackson is still pretty good.

Yeah. My Charger buddies are pretty high on him, so don't expect the Chargers to lose much in terms of running ability. He's their Darrell Williams.

But, like most 3rd string backs, the issue isn't their ability to run, but to understand protections.

That'll be the biggest difference maker between their starters and Jackson.

The loss of the top running backs isn’t normally a huge deal but with a pretty much forecast and Phyllis coming to his house of horrors, it’s a lot to expect him to be able to carry their team to a win by himself mostly.

We’ll see if he finally turns the corner

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...play-vs-chiefs

Chargers RBs Gordon, Ekeler unlikely to play vs. Chiefs

By Kevin Patra
Around the NFL Writer

The Los Angeles Chargers appear to be heading into Thursday night's showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs without their top two running backs.

Coach Anthony Lynn told NFL Network's Steve Wyche that the Chargers are not optimistic that running backs Melvin Gordon (knee) or Austin Ekeler (neck, concussion) will be available Thursday. Lynn noted that the short week does not seem like enough time for either running back to be ready.

Gordon has missed the past two games after suffering a knee injury. Ekeler was hurt in Sunday's victory over the Bengals on an onside kick at the end of the game.

The news is a blow to the Chargers, who are looking to end a nine-game losing streak to the Chiefs. L.A. would clinch a playoff berth with a win and move into a tie for the AFC West lead.

With Gordon and Ekeler not expected to play, rookies Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome, would be the Chargers top two running backs.

Jackson would get the start and figures to see the bulk of the backfield touches. A seventh-round pick out of Northwestern, Jackson displays burst through the hole and power on the second level, compiling 75 rushing yards on 15 rushing attempts with one touchdown the past two games.

we're going to bury 'em

Just pressure Phil and make him throw us the ball.

We’ve done a good job of it every year in KC, and this year our pass rush is arguably better than it’s been in quite some time. We can get pressure with 4 consistently which we haven’t since 2015.

Jackson doesn’t suck by any means, but it’s still a slight downgrade to both their running and passing game.