Ryan Mathews Injury: Updates on Chargers RB's Week 9 Status and Fantasy Value

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews left the team's Monday Night Football loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a groin injury. Since head coach Norv Turner didn't update his situation following the game, his status for next weekend's game against the Green Bay Packers in uncertain.

Keep checking back to this page throughout the week for the latest updates on Mathews' availability and potential fantasy value.

UPDATE: Sunday, Nov. 6, 3:00 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

While he has been lighting it up for fantasy teams over the last few weeks, Ryan Mathews will be of no help to any fantasy team this week because he has been ruled inactive.

NFL.com fantasy football editor Michael Fabiano is reporting on twitter:

With no Ryan Mathews stealing carries, the ball will be in the hands of Mike Tolbert as often as he can handle it. Look for good touches through the air and on the ground.

UPDATE: Sunday, Nov. 6, 12:55 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

The San Diego Chargers are facing a serious test against the Green Bay Packers today, but Philip Rivers plays his best games when he is steaming mad. Rivers wont have running back Ryan Mathews, though.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting on twitter about Ryan Mathews start:

This means more touches for Ryan Tolbert, so in the short term, look for a healthy 25 touches for the bowling-ball back.

Update: Friday, Nov. 4 at 4:05 p.m. EDT

Dion Caputi, who contributes to National Football Post, has reported that Mathews did not practice Friday because of his groin.

Mathews doesn't look like he will be much of a factor this week, and against the vaunted Green Bay Packers defense it might be wise to sit him and allow for more recovery time.

For fantasy owners, I would strongly recommend not playing Mathews in Week 9.

Update: Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 3:55 p.m. EDT

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com tweeted some bad news about Mathews' chances of playing this weekend. That would make Mike Tolbert, who is also fighting off the pain, a strong fantasy play.

It's important to point out Fabiano didn't say Mathews is definitely going to miss the game, so there's still time for his status to change. However, for now it isn't looking good.

Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 2:15 p.m. EDT

Scott Bair of the North County Times provided injury news on several Chargers, including both running backs who got banged up against Kansas City, but couldn't give much immediate insight into either RB's availability for next week.

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Running back Curtis Brinkley, who scored the fourth-quarter touchdown and two-point conversion that tied the game late in the fourth quarter, left the game with a concussion. He was not available for comment after the game. He was in because starter Ryan Mathews suffered a groin strain and could not return.

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Mathews has had trouble staying healthy during his career and another injury won't please fantasy owners if he's forced to miss time. More information will become available once practice gets started, so stay tuned.