San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert has been ruled out for Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tolbert has been dealing with hand and hamstring issues and was doubtful heading into the game. Deactivating Tolbert is not a surprise, but it is still worth noting for fantasy purposes.
Mike Tolbert Injury Status Update: OUT For Monday Night Football
The Tolbert injury means that Ryan Mathews will likely get his biggest rushing load of the season. The Chargers are facing a struggling Chiefs rush defense, which could mean big things for Mathews. His primary backup will be Curtis Brinkley, who has not touched the ball this season. Brinkley might get a couple touches, but Mathews will likely dominate the carries.
I would actually expect Jacob Hester to get more carries due to the Tolbert injury. Hester operates as the Chargers fullback, but when running backs are limited, the team has shown a willingness to get him more involved in the offense. Week five against the Denver Broncos, Hester rushed 11 times for 47 yards and hauled in a pair of passes. I suspect Hester gets at least five or six carries on Monday.
For more on the Chargers, check out Bolts From The Blue. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.
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