Ryan Mathews Injury: Updates on Chargers Star's Knee and Return

Updates from Sunday, Nov. 16

As expected, Ryan Mathews is available for Week 11, Ricky Henne of Chargers.com confirmed:

Updates from Friday, Nov. 14

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com has the latest on Mathews:

Updates from Wednesday, Nov. 12 

Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego reports on Mathews' status for Sunday's game vs. the Raiders:

Eric Williams of ESPN provides an update on Mathews' status at Wednesday's practice:

Updates from Friday, Oct. 31

Eric Williams of ESPN has an update on Mathews' status:

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 29

Michael Gehlken of UT-San Diego reported on Ryan Mathews from Chargers practice:

Updates from Thursday, Oct. 23

Ryan Mathews is officially inactive for Week 8 according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego:

Updates from Sunday, Oct. 19

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com confirms Ryan Mathews will not play in Week 7:

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 15

Michael Gehlken of UT-San Diego has an update on Mathews' status:

Updates from Sunday, Oct. 12

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com confirms Ryan Mathews will not play in Week 6:

Updates from Sunday, Oct. 5

Derek Togerson of NBC7.com confirms Ryan Mathews will not play in Week 5, as expected:

"

#Chargers inactives: Inman, Wright, Te'o, Walker, R. Mathews, Ohrnberger, Attaochu. Expect Verrett to start for Wright.

— Derek Togerson (@DerekNBCSD) October 5, 2014"

Updates from Sunday, Sept. 28

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego confirmed that Ryan Mathews is inactive for Week 4:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 26

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com reported on Ryan Mathews' status for Week 4:

Updates from Sunday, Sept. 21

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com confirms Ryan Mathews is on the inactive list for Week 3:

Updates from Friday, Sept. 19

Tom Krasovic of UT-San Diego has the latest on Mathews:

Updates from Monday, Sept. 15

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported on Ryan Mathews' timeline for a return to the Chargers:

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com passed along comments from head coach Mike McCoy on Mathews:

Original Text

Ryan Mathews has been dealing with injuries throughout his career, and the San Diego Chargers running back is once again on the sideline.

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego provides the details on the running back's latest injury:

Mathews was later ruled questionable to return (via Ricky Henne of Chargers.com):

After San Diego's 30-21 win, ESPN's Adam Schefter provided an update: 

Gehlken reports that Mathews did indeed suffer an MCL injury: 

"

The Chargers running back was carted off the field Sunday with a knee injury. The early prognosis is he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament, a source said following a 30-21 win over Seattle. It is unclear how much time he will miss. He'll likely be further examined to determine the extent of the sprain, which by definition is a tear.

"

The former first-round pick finished seventh in the NFL last season with 1,255 rushing yards. He also added six touchdowns on the ground while averaging 4.4 yards per carry.

Most importantly, Mathews played in all 16 games for the first time in his four-year career. The 26-year-old player had been limited with various ailments in the three years prior, which certainly slowed his development.

While he was excited to stay healthy last year, he faded down the stretch and struggled in the postseason to the tune of 78 rushing yards in two games. He explained his thoughts to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com:

"

It was hard, not being able to finish the year out. Sixteen games is 16 games. I played a full season, but I didn’t really get to contribute in the games after the season—the real games when it really counts. That’s my expectation this season. I’ve got to do more and do better, so I can be there with my guys to be able to help them out as much as I can when we get there again.

"

Although the extent of his injury is not yet known, the latest issue will certainly slow him down.

The good news for the Chargers is that they are prepared for this scenario. The organization signed Donald Brown in the offseason and also have Danny Woodhead capable of producing in both the running and passing attack.

Bleacher Report's Christopher Hansen believes Mathews' time in San Diego is near completion anyway:

Another injury would further justify the Chargers moving on at the end of the season. Still, the current team will certainly hope Mathews will be able to return as soon as possible.

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