SAN DIEGO -- Need more evidence Melvin Gordon is feeling 100 percent healthy after microfracture knee surgery in January?
The San Diego Chargers gave the Wisconsin product reps at kick returner during Friday’s practice. Gordon fielded kicks during a couple special-teams periods, along with Branden Oliver, Isaiah Burse, Deandre Reaves and Danny Woodhead.
San Diego’s first-round selection in 2015, Gordon is still slated to serve as the team’s early down running back once the season begins. However, returning kicks does provide Gordon an opportunity to make some game-changing plays in a crowded backfield that includes Woodhead and Oliver.
“We’ll see how it goes,” Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said. “I think that’s something we’re going to discuss over time. I’m not going to say definitely no or definitely yes yet. We’ll see. That’s going to be a battle back there.”
At Wisconsin, Gordon totaled eight kick returns for 174 yards, averaging 21.8 yards. Oliver served as San Diego's main kick returner last season.
McCoy acknowledged that Gordon has the skill set to be an effective return man at this level.
“He’s a talented player,” McCoy said. “He can do that.”
FanFest on Saturday: The Chargers will hold their annual open practice at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday. The stadium gates open at 9:30 a.m. PT; practice starts at 10:30. The Chargers will not be in full pads, only helmets and shells. McCoy says the practice provides an opportunity for coaches to work on things they would do on the sideline during a game, including using headphones for communication and tablet computers to make in-game adjustments. “It will be the first time for a lot of our players to go into our stadium,” McCoy said. “So it’s really a chance to kind of get familiar with everything.”
Injury update: Offensive lineman Chris Watt (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Linebacker Denzel Perryman, receiver Javontee Herndon and receiver Stevie Johnson (knee) did not practice. Nose tackle Brandon Mebane had a rest day, while tight end Antonio Gates and cornerback Brandon Flowers returned to practice. Center Spencer Pulley (ankle) and defensive lineman Tenny Palepoi (leg) suffered injuries midway through practice and did not finish.
