With the playoffs at stake, San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews put aside the pain and rushed for 99 yards in a win over the Oakland Raiders, all while dealing with a throbbing ankle, according to the Union-Tribune.
Ryan Mathews injury update: Chargers RB hurts ankle vs. Raiders
San Diego is still alive for the final playoff spot in the AFC but has a hobbled running back.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mathews injured his ankle in the third quarter and left the stadium after the game in a protective walking boot. In between those two moments, the former first round pick out of Fresno State propelled San Diego with tough running, bringing his rushing yards to 1,111 for the season, a new career-high.
Coach Mike McCoy was appreciative of Mathews’ effort, per the story:
"I'm very happy for Ryan Mathews," coach Mike McCoy said during his opening post-game statement with reporters. "You guys all asked early on why he isn't carrying the ball, why isn't he doing this. But the kid just kept working extremely hard. After today's game, it was a single-season high for him, so give him a lot credit. We've said from day one that we want unselfish players. We want players who just want to win. And he's one of those kids. ...
"It's very deserving to see where he is right now."
When asked if he would be available to play a potential win-and-your-in game against the Kansas City Chiefs next week, Mathews was positive, per the piece:
"I feel good. Sore," Mathews said. "Tough game. Tough yards. ... It's football. It's a contact sport, so stuff's going to happen. It happened to me."
For the Chargers to make the playoffs, they need the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins to lose against the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets respectively. Both of those games are 1 p.m. ET, while San Diego is a 4 p.m. ET start.
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