Ryan Mathews Injury: Banged-Up Chargers Running Game Lucks out with Week 6 Bye

Early byes are usually a bummer to get early in the season, but it couldn't come at a better time for the San Diego Chargers running game.

The 4-1 Chargers had to deal with injuries to both Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert in their 29-24 win over the Denver Broncos.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has the details on their statuses after the game:

Mathews' injury was severe enough that he couldn't finish out the game even though Mike Tolbert (concussion) was sidelined. He's likely set for more testing once the Chargers get back to San Diego. The good news for Mathews is that the Chargers have a bye in Week 6. We should know more on his status Monday.

That's the reason the Chargers continued to pass the ball despite holding a large lead for much of the second half.

A calf injury heals quicker than a hamstring, so that's a good sign, but it's never a good to hear that a player leaves the stadium on crutches. 

With the chance to rest his leg for 13 days, it's hard to imagine a scenario where he doesn't suit up in Week 7 against the New York Jets.

Mathews had one of his best games as a Charger on Sunday, rushing for 125 yards on 24 attempts and a touchdown. Keep an eye on the injury report over the next two weeks to see how quickly he returns to the field. If he's back at practice by next Wednesday, Mathews will be a must-start in fantasy leagues.

As for Tolbert, he is more likely to miss time with a concussion. It's the sort of injury that's not worth speculating on, because even doctors don't quite know the severity of it.

With the timetable for most concussions being in the two to three week range, expect Tolbert to be a game-time decision by the time the Jets game rolls around.

At 4-1 and atop the AFC West, the Chargers are in the drivers seat. With the bye allowing Mathews a week to rest the calf and a week for Tolbert to get past his concussion...every thing is going in San Diego's direction right now.

An unusual statement for the Chargers early in the season.