Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown's Fantasy Outlook After Ryan Mathews' Injury

Updates from Monday, Sept. 15

Ian Rapoport updated Ryan Mathews' condition after leaving Sunday's game vs. Seattle:

Original Text

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews hasn't exactly been durable since being selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft, and that unfortunate trend continued on Sunday. The ball-carrier was carted off the field after suffering an apparent knee injury in the fourth quarter of the team's contest against the Seattle Seahawks.   

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego tweeted the incident as it happened:

ESPN's Adam Schefter added:

With Mathews out of commission, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown will assume the backfield responsibilities, suddenly making both very relevant in the fantasy football realm.

Woodhead should be expected to benefit from increased touches in Mathews' absence. Known for his ability as a third-down back, he's a capable ball-carrier and receiver out of the backfield. During San Diego's victory over Seattle on Sunday, Woodhead carried eight times for 32 yards—an average of 4.0 yards per rush—and added four receptions for 28 yards.

His dual-threat ability should make him a viable fantasy replacement for Mathews going forward. Consider him a solid option as an RB2.

Brown will benefit along with Woodhead in this scenario, as he can be expected to share time in the backfield with his counterpart. On Sunday, Brown rushed seven times for 21 yards—averaging 3.0 yards per carry—adding three receptions for 10 yards.

Fantasy expert John Paulsen of 4for4.com tweeted his take on the situation:

Should Mathews miss any significant amount of time, Brown can be considered a matchup-based flex option for fantasy owners, with his value coming in a supporting role to Woodhead.