San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (knee) participated in practice Wednesday and should be ready to return to the starting lineup when the team comes off its bye week to take on the Oakland Raiders in Week 11, according to Michael Gehlken of the Union-Tribune San Diego. Mathews has touched the ball 27 times in two games this season and has 117 total yards and a touchdown to show for it.
Ryan Mathews practices Wednesday, ready to return to fantasy lineups
The Chargers’ workhorse running back hasn’t played since Week 2, but appears ready to make his return. We break down the fantasy implications.
Harry How
Fantasy Impact: Rookie Branden Oliver exploded on the scene to fill in for Mathews once Donald Brown (concussion) and Danny Woodhead (leg) also went down with injuries earlier this season. While he's done a good job, the rookie practice squad addition has just 55 yards rushing on his last 26 carries.
That means Mathews will get the early-down work and reprise his role as the team’s go-to running back just in time for the game against Oakland. Mathews is a solid pass catcher and rusher, and although he’s never turned out to be the star he was pegged to be coming out of college, he’s a solid fantasy option when he’s healthy.
Fantasy owners who’ve waited this long for him, might as well put him back in the lineup for Week 11, especially in deep leagues.
