Eric Gordon leaves Pelicans game with a separated shoulder

Already missing starting center Omer Asik, the New Orleans Pelicans suffered another injury setback Saturday night when Eric Gordon after the starting shooting guard left the Pelicans’ 106-94 win over the Utah Jazz. Gordon suffered a separated shoulder, according to a press release from the team:

With 4:35 remaining in the second quarter Saturday, New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon’s arms got tangled up with Alec Burks while Gordon was defending Burks, resulting in a left shoulder subluxation (separate shoulder). Gordon headed to the locker room and will not return to Saturday’s game. Although initially it appeared as though Gordon may have been hurt as it fell near the sideline and into the EnergySolutions Arena stands, the contact took place on the wing as Gordon and Burks locked up with each other.

It’s unclear what Gordon’s timetable is for a return, but shoulder separations can keep players out for several weeks. Clippers star Chris Paul had one in January and missed 18 games last season because of it. The Pelicans may be without Gordon for a while.

After a horrendous start to the season, Gordon has been playing better lately, scoring 8 points on 4-of-7 shooting at the time of the injury. The Pelicans had better hope Austin Rivers is ready to step into a starting job while Gordon is out.