Chargers not optimistic Gordon, Ekeler will play Thursday vs. Chiefs

The final Thursday Night Football game of 2018 may not include a pair of dynamic running backs.

The Los Angeles Chargers aren't optimistic that either Melvin Gordon or Austin Ekeler will be available for the key AFC West matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Anthony Lynn told Steve Wyche of NFL Network.

Gordon missed the past two games with a knee injury, while Ekeler reportedly suffered a neck ailment and a concussion in the Chargers' Week 14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gordon said he's feeling much better this week and will push the decision on whether to play right up until game time, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. In 10 games this season, he's racked up 802 rushing yards, 453 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns.

Ekeler has recorded 900 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. He started the past two weeks in Gordon's absence.

Should both running backs be unavailable, rookies Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome will likely be asked to step up in the prime-time spotlight. Jackson, a seventh-round draft pick, posted 174 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown over the last three games.

Newsome has just five carries for 15 yards in his debut season.

Meanwhile, Kansas City's offense is also likely to enter Thursday's matchup shorthanded. Running back Kareem Hunt was recently released, wide receiver Sammy Watkins (foot) isn't expected to play until the postseason, and fellow wideout Tyreek Hill is battling a foot injury of his own.

The Chiefs lead the AFC with an 11-2 record and won their first meeting against the Chargers - who sit one game back at 10-3 - in Week 1.

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