After missing practice all week with an ankle injury, San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has been listed as active Sunday against the Denver Broncos, according to the league's official injury report.
2014 NFL playoffs: Ryan Mathews active for Chargers vs. Broncos
Mathews was key in San Diego’s upset win over Denver in Week 15, and he’ll be available for the rubber match on Sunday.
As expected, Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker, who missed the final three games of the regular season with a concussion, is also active.
Mathews was listed as questionable coming into the weekend and raised eyebrows when he departed from his typical mid-week schedule by missing practice on Friday. A sprained ankle has plagued him for several weeks, though it has yet to cost him any playing time.
Mathews led the league in carries over the final five weeks of the season but was limited to just 15 touches in the Chargers' opening playoff win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He was an integral part of the Chargers' Week 15 win over the Broncos, rushing 29 times for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Welker missed that game with a concussion and was held out of the final two regular season games as a precaution. He had just three catches for 21 yards in the two teams’ first meeting in Week 10.
The Broncos' inactives are cornerback Tony Carter, tight end Joel Dreessen, quarterback Zac Dysert, running back Ronnie Hillman, defensive end Derek Wolfe and guards Sione Fua and Chris Kuper
The Chargers' running game will also benefit from the return of center Nick Hardwick, who is listed as active after suffering a concussion last week.
Inactive for the Chargers are guard Jeromey Clary, defensive back Marcus Cromartie, wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, nose tackle Sean Lissemore, quarterback Brad Sorensen, safety Brandon Taylor and offensive tackle Kenny Wiggins.
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