Melvin Gordonunderwent microfracture surgery on his knee this offseason, leading to another round of questions about the running back's future after a disappointing rookie campaign.
General manager Tom Telesco offered more clarity on the subject Wednesday, dismissing concerns that the injury will hinder any progress Gordon hoped to make in 2016 and said the running back should be ready for training camp.
"Every knee injury is unique to the player," Telesco told ESPN. "But I think with microfracture surgery there are two key elements to it -- the size of the treatment area and the location of it -- and both with Melvin were favorable.
"He's on track with everything. He's been on the field working. We'll continue to monitor him throughout the offseason, but everything is on track with training camp right now."
Telesco's comments echo those of Gordon, who doesn't anticipate being limited in practices this summer.
The advance of surgical techniques means microfracture surgery -- which involves making small holes or fractures in the bone near the cartilage in an effort to increase blood flow and create new cartilage -- isn't a death knell for a player's career. Players like Reggie Bush and Jadeveon Clowney have both undergone the procedure recently while Jaguars second-round pick Myles Jack has indicated he may need the procedure in the future to heal his injured knee.
"I remember when I first got the news that I would need microfracture surgery -- I thought my career was over," Bush said on NFL Total Access on Wednesday. "That's the first thing that pops into your head, and it's not. All you have to do is continue to work hard, and he'll bounce back, he's a great player."
Telesco noted that the team not adding another back in the draft or free agency speaks to the faith the Chargers have in Gordon bouncing back. San Diego hopes a healthy offensive line, which includes newly added Matt Slauson, will aid Gordon, who struggled getting out of the backfield during a lackluster first campaign.
