The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon’s disappointing rookie season continues to be just that.

He fumbled the ball twice in Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers, losing one. That gives him four fumbles on the year as he is still in search of his first touchdown.

“We’ve got to eliminate that,” head coach Mike McCoy said. “He put the ball on the ground twice.”

Gordon also hurt his ankle, which kept him out of the game for a short period. But it was his second fumble that caused him to be benched as the game progressed. Gordon, a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, rushed for 29 yards on seven carries.

–Inside linebacker Denzel Perryman started in place of Manti Te’o (ankle) and the rookie didn’t waste his opportunity.

Perryman, a second-round pick, had a team-high seven tackles and forced a fumble by Eddie Lacy. Perryman had been replacing starter Donald Butler in some base looks earlier this year. Perryman could start again, with the availability of Te’o still questionable for Sunday.

–Tight end Antonio Gates had a second straight solid game after his return from a four-game suspension. He finished with nine catches for 95 yards. But there were few smiles from him in the Chargers’ locker room.

“There are pros and cons to every game,” Gates said. “We have to find the positive things from it and look at the film and learn from the things that didn’t go well. Then we have to get ready for the Oakland Raiders.” Oakland is up next, on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium.

McCoy declined to give injury updates on Monday, so here is the best available information:

–Wide receiver Keenan Allen had a sensational game cut short with a hip injury. Allen had 14 catches for 157 yards.

–Free safety Eric Weddle (groin) exited the game and didn’t return. He will be monitored this week.

–Strong safety Jahleel Addae (back) left the game. But not because of an ankle injury which has bothered him for most of the season.

–Punter Mike Scifres suffered a leg injury and continued to punt, but it was clear he was in discomfort and his situation is worth watching this week.

–Among those who didn’t play Sunday were Te’o (ankle, inactive), left guard Orlando Franklin (ankle), center Chris Watt (groin, concussion), left tackle King Dunlap (concussion), cornerback Craig Mager (hamstring, missed four games), wide receiver Stevie Johnson (hamstring), defensive end Darius Philon (hip, thigh), who was placed on injured reserve and outside linebacker Tourek Williams (foot).