The short week made the odds long, and Melvin Gordon was unable to overcome such an obstacle.
About two hours before kickoff Thursday, the Chargers decided against having their top running back test his sprained right knee against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Instead, Gordon missed his third consecutive game and fourth overall this season because of injury.
Rookie Justin Jackson started against the Chiefs, backed up by another rookie, Detrez Newsome. The Chargers promoted Troymaine Pope from the practice squad for added depth.