Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has said since the day he broke his collarbone in the preseason that he was targeting a Week One return. But now it’s looking like his return will come in Week Three.
Mathews is unlikely to play today against the Titans, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Although Mathews was able to practice on a limited basis this week, it’s not surprising that he’ll need another week (at least) before he can play in a game.
With Mathews out, the Chargers will again rely on Curtis Brinkley and Ronnie Brown to split the running back workload. That didn’t work out too well in Week One, when Brinkley carried 10 times for 12 yards and Brown carried five times for five yards.
Then again, if Chris Johnson plays the way he played in Week One, even Brinkley and Brown combining for 1.1 yards a carry would give the Chargers the better running attack of the two teams on the field today.