GM Tom Telesco agrees with Melvin Gordon: RB on track for camp

A day after the revelation that running back Melvin Gordon had microfracture surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee in January, San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco appeared on ESPN's NFL Insiders to provide more clarity on the issue.

Gordon said on Monday that he is expected to fully recover from the injury in time for training camp at the end of July. Telesco echoed those comments. The Chargers GM was asked whether the fact that San Diego did not draft or sign a running back in free agency during the offseason speaks to the lack of concern the team has about Gordon's future on the field.

"I think so," Telesco said. "Every knee injury is unique to the player. But I think with microfracture surgery there are two key elements to it -- the size of the treatment area and the location of it -- and both with Melvin were favorable.

"He's on track with everything. He's been on the field working. We'll continue to monitor him throughout the offseason, but everything is on track with training camp right now."

Telesco also discussed the team's plans for recent addition Matt Slauson, the offensive lineman who officially signed a two-year deal to join the Chargers on Monday.

"Matt will come in and challenge for the starting job at center with Trevor Robinson, who was a starter for us last year, and Chris Watt," Telesco said. "We drafted Max Tuerk in the third round, who we're excited about. He'll challenge for that job, too, although he's coming off ACL surgery during this past college season.

"So he [Slauson] will come and challenge for that job. He's also played guard in this league. He's been a solid, durable player for a long time. He's started over 80 games in this league. So he'll come in and give us some help up front."

Telesco also said getting a contract extension done for receiver Keenan Allen is a priority. A third-round selection by the Chargers in the 2013 draft, the Cal product is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

"Keenan has had a very good career for us so far," Telesco said. "He's still young. He still has a lot in front of him, and those are the type of players that we want here long term. That's been our philosophy. That was the way I was brought up. And we think that works. So yes, he is one of those players [we want to re-sign]."