San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has been dealing with a sprained MCL that's forced him out of three consecutive games, and now it stands to keep him out of a couple more, at least. Mathews is out "probably at least another week and more likely two," according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune.
Ryan Mathews could miss more time with injury; Branden Oliver worth a fantasy look
Ryan Mathews is still nursing a sprained MCL and could miss more time. We break down the fantasy implications.
Harry How
The Chargers have been solid this season, winning four consecutive games since dropping the opener to the Arizona Cardinals, but the running game has been essentially non-existent. San Diego ranks 27th in the NFL with 88 rushing yards per game. However, rookie running back Branden Oliver showed some solid stuff on Sunday, carrying the ball 19 times for 114 yards and a touchdown against the New York Jets.
Fantasy Impact: The Chargers may not inspire much confidence when it comes to running the football, but Mathews is expected to be a solid fantasy back when he does finally return from injury. Still, he could be targeting to return a couple weeks from now, so Oliver might be a smart pickup if fantasy owners don’t already have him. The Jets are not the best team against the run -- technically they were, but the quality of backs they faced over the first four weeks of the season was not exactly stellar -- , but Oliver added 68 yards and a touchdown through the air, as well.
