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Wisconsin Football: Melvin Gordon had Microfracture Surgery in January

By Jim Oxley

Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is defended by Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) on a second quarter run at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is defended by Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (52) on a second quarter run at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Wisconsin football star Melvin Gordon had surgery on his knee in January, but expects to be ready to go by summer

Melvin Gordon’s NFL debut didn’t go as many hoped for the former Wisconsin football star. His 2015 season ended with a knee injury after 14 games, and reports this week say that injury required microfracture surgery.

While “microfracture surgery” is not what anyone wants to hear, Gordon told Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union Tribune that he is well on the road to recovery.

Gordon, who had the surgery Jan. 5 as the result of a cartilage tear suffered Dec. 20 against the Miami Dolphins, said he expects to be back in action fully by summer.

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Here’s what he had to say after Monday’s practice:

"“I’m getting better. I’m getting better. I’m not where I want to be, but I think I’m ahead of schedule. I’m sprinting pretty well. I’m cutting. … No question, I’ll be ready for training camp. I’m not even worried about that.”"

That’s good news for Gordon, who was underwhelming during his rookie season.

The former Wisconsin football product rushed 184 times for 641 yards (3.48 yards per carry) without scoring a touchdown.

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He failed to rush for 100 yards in a game on the season.

He also caught 33 passes (on 37 targets) for 192 yards, averaging 5.82 yards per catch.

A healthy Gordon in 2016, coupled with better blocking, should boost all those numbers this season.

The Chargers drafted USC center Max Tuerk in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, added Gordon’s old fullback from Wisconsin, Derek Watt, in the sixth round, and spent a seventh-round pick on Michigan State guard Donavon Clark.

Those additions will help the former Badgers star, but he will need to improve in his own right.

Getting healthy is the first step.

Next: How Derek Watt Fits in San Diego

Gordon’s injury initially had a timetable of 4-6 months to recovery. By his own account, he’s well on his way to recovery, and will look to help the Chargers improve from a 4-12 season a year ago.