Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, one of the NFL's top performers this season, was carted off the field Sunday with a hip injury.
Two Carolina Panthers defenders hit Gordon as he tried to recover a fumble.
The fumble came in the first quarter when Philip Rivers was sacked for the second time, on the team's second drive.
Gordon, hit from behind was in an awkward position as he tried to collect the fumble.
Rookie running back Kenneth Farrow replaced Gordon, a second-year player who is among the NFL leaders in rushing touchdowns.
The Chargers, playing in Charlotte, N.C., trailed 3-0 in the first quarter when Gordon was carted off.
