Ryan Mathews finally turned the corner last season by staying healthy and proving he's a dynamic starting running back for the San Diego Chargers. His good stretch of durability ran out Sunday.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that Mathews suffered a sprained MCL against Seattle, per a source who has spoken to the player. Mathews underwent an MRI Monday and could be out 4-5 weeks, although he hopes to return sooner.
"He'll be back out there as soon as he can," said Chargers coach Mike McCoy at Monday's press conference. "Everyone recovers different."
Mathews was carted off the field Sunday against the Seahawks with a knee injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. He suffered the injury while recovering his own fumble, his second of the game.
If there is any silver lining here, it's the Chargers' depth chart. Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead form a solid duo without Mathews in the lineup, although they don't run with as much power as Mathews. The Chargers head to Buffalo and then host Jacksonville the following week.
Mathews is in the final year of his contract and his injury issues will keep his value down when he is looking for a new contract. In the meantime, the Chargers should have him back on the field well before they make their push for the playoffs.
The Mathews injury was only one problem in a long string of high profile injuries in Week 2. Here's some other injury news.
- Rams wideout Tavon Austin sprained his MCL against the Buccaneers and is out roughly two weeks, Rapoport reported, per a person informed of the injury.
- Jamaal Charles suffered a high ankle sprain early in the Chiefs' loss to the Broncos, according to coach Andy Reid. His MRI was clean, according to Rapoport, but he still could miss some time.
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- the Redskins got some moderately good news regarding the health of the Redskins' franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III. An MRI revealed Monday he did not suffer an ankle fracture, which was the initial concern. Griffin suffered a dislocated ankle against the Jaguars and coach Jay Gruden said they won't know the timetable on how long he'll be out for a few weeks. Gruden also said he's optimistic that RGIII could return this season and that they aren't considering him for injured reserve.
- Things are also looking up regarding DeSean Jackson, who left the game shortly after RGIII's injury with a shoulder sprain. Jackson said he intends to play this week against the Eagles, Rapoport reported, per a source who has spoken to him. Gruden said he is day to day and Jackson's playing status will be determined based on pain throughout the week.
- The Jaguars were dealt a blow to their limited offense as tight end Marcedes Lewiswill miss six-to-eight weeks with a high ankle sprain. Lewis has been Chad Henne's safety net and leads the team in catches.
- The Jags will also evaluate undrafted rookie wideout Allen Hurns on a day-to-day basis as he deals with an ankle sprain.
- The Giants took another shot to their depleted defense as cornerback Walter Thurmondsuffered a torn pectoral and will miss the remainder of the season.
- The Bears lost cornerback Charles Tillman for the season after he tore his triceps for the second straight year. This could spell the end to the career of one of Chicago's best leaders as the Bears placed him on injured reserve.
- Colts defensive lineman Arthur Jones was carted off the field during the second quarter of their Monday night game against the Eagles.
