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Wild Card weekend could hinge on these key injuries

By Dr. David Chao

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images) /

Ravens vs. Chargers

The Ravens are the healthiest team in this weekend’s playoffs with few injuries, especially for this late in the season.

Meanwhile, the Chargers have some key issues at RB. By video, Melvin Gordon suffered a mild high ankle sprain on the same side as his still recovering MCL knee sprain where he still uses a brace. No doubt that Gordon will play but how effective will he be in making cuts is the question. His back up Austin Ekeler just returned from stingers and now is nursing a groin.

The other big health issue to watch is the Chargers run defense against the Ravens big backs and elusive QB. Up the middle defenders DT Corey Liuget and run stuffing LB Denzel Perryman had already been lost for the year. Now LB Jatavis Brown is out with an ankle injury.

The Chargers lost to the unique Ravens offense just two weeks ago so maybe they can learn and adjust. Star TE Hunter Henry is close to a return from May ACL surgery but I think it might be another week before his limited return as this is his first week in full practice.

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