AFC West Notes: Melvin Gordon, Chargers, Raiders

Melvin Gordon

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon has been working hard to stay in shape during his holdout from the team. Gordon worked with Giants WR Golden Tate, suspended four games by the NFL, and free-agent QB Luis Perez to train for the start of the season under the direction of trainer Todd Durkin. Durkin said Gordon wouldn’t have been ready to play Week 1, but now that he’s back he should be able to ramp up into form quickly. 

“Although we did strength training and squats and lower-body stuff, too, my whole thing was, I needed to get his lungs in shape because he wasn’t where I wanted him to be,” Durkin said via NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. “If he had to play in mid-August, he wouldn’t have been ready. Week 1, for instance, he was needing quite a bit of recovery between reps. We were trying to do 2-minute drives and he was feeling the ramifications. Now, we’ve been pushing the pace and he’s ready. He’s ready.”

Chargers

• Former Chargers TE Antonio Gates says he’s by no means retired and is still ready to play for any team that gives him a call, whether it’s the Chargers or someone else: “I’m ready to play if I need to play. If somebody gave me a call, I’m ready. I’m in shape.” (TMZ)
• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said TE Sean Culkin tore his Achilles and is out for the season. (Eric Williams)

Raiders

• Raiders QB Derek Carr had an X-ray taken on his lower leg following Sunday’s game. (Vic Tafur)
• According to Scott Bair, the X-rays for Carr were just precautionary.
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden told reporters that G Jordan Devey is out for the year with a torn pec. (Vic Tafur)
• Raiders G Gabe Jackson did not make the trip and will be back on the field after their game in London. (Vic Tafur)