Ryan Mathews, Donald Brown Injury Updates

San Diego Chargers running back Donald Brown has been out since Week 5 with a rather serious concussion, but he is finally set to get back into the action for today’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Brown was averaging a measly 2.1 yards per carry before getting concussed, and he is fully expected to be the change-of-pace back going forward, as he can chip in with some pass-catching chops.

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The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Brown is indeed active for the Chargers today against the Dolphins after being listed as probable on the injury report, while Ryan Mathews will be held out another week. That allows Branden Oliver to maintain a hold on the feature back gig, as the Darren Sproles comp has been undeniably impressive in lieu of the other backs on the roster. Oliver has done just about everything well, and he has more power than some give him credit.

Mathews’s return would complicate things for Oliver, so it will be interesting to see how Mathews’s return would affect Oliver’s touches. After practicing on Friday, Mathews showed that he is close to a return and is fully expected to play in Week 11, as the Chargers have a bye next week. Once he comes back, the talented RB should resume the feature back role with Oliver getting touches behind him; Brown figures to become an afterthought once Mathews returns.