Melvin Gordon entered the Chargers locker room this afternoon during media availability and was immediately swarmed by reporters wanting to know the same thing.
"Do you think you'll be back this season?"
The running back left Sunday's loss on a cart after sustaining a hip strain and knee sprain after getting caught in what he says was an "awkward position" trying to recover a loose ball. Gordon expected the question, and while he isn't certain when he will be back, let everyone know his thoughts on returning in 2016.
"I'm very hopeful," he said. "It's alright. It is what it is. I'm going to take it day by day… It's the beast of the game. We all kind of know how it goes. You can't hang your head down too low. That won't do anything for me."
Just how badly does he want to be back and finish the season?
"Bad! I just hate not playing football… It is very important just because I know the guys need me. I want to be out there. We started together and I want to finish it. We lost so many guys. Just losing me doesn't help. I'm going to try to do what I can to get back."
Gordon entered the Week 14 tied for the most touches in the NFL. Number 28 has carried the rock 254 times for 997 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt with 10 touchdowns on the ground. He also ranks fourth on the team with 41 receptions good for 419 yards and another pair of scores.
While there are a number of reasons Gordon yearns to return this season, he admits reaching the 1,000-yard plateau is a motivating factor.
"It would mean a lot, but I'm just going to take it for what it is. If I feel I can go back out there and be ready, I'm going to go back out there… I know my body. If I can go out there and feel I can be productive, then I'll be out there. If I can't, we've got the guys who will make it up for me."
Even if he doesn't return, falling three yards shy of 1,000 yards won't take anything away from what has been a special season for the sophomore running back.
"This year was a productive season for me. In many ways it could have been better, but it definitely was a more productive season from last year. It doesn't take away from anything. I've just got to get healthy and finish this thing out."
