San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews is central to the team’s ball control philosophy that works to perfection against even the mightiest of foes, though they were still able to execute their plan with aplomb in yesterday’s exceptional victory over the Seattle Seahawks, who are the best team in the NFL. Philip Rivers showed why there could actually be five elite quarterbacks, as last year’s second-best QB showed off his elite accuracy and clutch throwing ability to pace the Chargers yesterday.
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Mathews could only pound out 31 yards on 11 carries against one of the league’s stingiest run defenses before going down with a knee injury that could have been an ACL tear based on how much pain Mathews seemed to be in. Thankfully, we learned that he actually suffered a sprained right MCL after an MRI test was done, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports today that Mathews could be out for 4-5 weeks but hopes to return sooner.
I think it’s best for the playoff-hopeful Chargers not to rush Mathews back, because his injury history isn’t exactly favorable. Plus, the Chargers are incredibly deep at running back, and offseason addition Donald Brown will have a chance to shine with talented scat back Danny Woodhead behind Rivers. It would be nice for Mathews to make a speedier recovery than this timeline dictates, but I still wouldn’t want to risk him, since the Chargers eyes are on success throughout the season.