NFL Injury Report: With Mike Tolbert Possibly Out, Will Ryan Mathews Thrive?

Whether you’re a San Diego Chargers fan or simply a fantasy owner with Mike Tolbert on your roster, Sunday’s performance was reason for celebration. 

In Week 1 of the NFL season, the Chargers running back lead his team in victory over the Minnesota Vikings, combining running and catching to accumulate three impressive touchdowns. 

However after limping off the field late in the fourth quarter, an injury suffered to Tolbert’s right knee could be cause for concern. 

Tolbert will undergo a precautionary MRI this morning to determine the severity of his injury and whether or not the running back will be good to go for Week 2.

In the event that Tolbert is forced to take it easy, Ryan Mathews will likely handle the bulk of the carries for the Chargers.  Although Mathews is the listed starter for the Chargers at running back, he and Tolbert evenly split the carries in the season opener with 12 a piece.

Mathews is more than capable of handling more carries however, Tolbert would be missed, as the duo complements each other nicely due to their differing running styles.  Against the Vikings Mathews totaled 118 yards on the day and Tolbert ended up with 98.

As the featured back in San Diego’s offense, Ryan Mathews typically handles much of the first and second down workload for the Chargers.  Mathews uses his speed and elusiveness to get to the outside and explode for big plays. 

Tolbert, on the other hand, is a big-bodied running back used quite often on third down, as a goal line back in the red zone, as well as in the shotgun formation. 

Not afraid of contact, Tolbert has no problem taking it right up the middle or pounding through to get the gritty yards.  Tolbert also has good catching ability and poses as a receiving threat.

In the event that Tolbert is not be cleared to play, the Chargers would miss these dynamics of their running game and Mathews will definitely face a little more pressure.