Mike Tolbert Injury: Updates on Chargers Star's Week 7 Status and Fantasy Value

The San Diego Chargers are off to their best ever start under coach Norv Turner. While many would suspect this to be the arm of Philip Rivers, a lot of it has to do with the balance from the running game.

Running back Ryan Mathews appears to finally have put things together and his running mate, Mike Tolbert, is a weapon both in and out of the backfield.

Tolbert has seen his carries diminish in recent weeks, but he is still a threat to make plays and score in the passing game.

But both he and Mathews were forced out of the Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos. Mathews didn't play the final series and was seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot. Tolbert, on the other hand, suffered a concussion.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 23 at 7:23 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Mike Tolbert (concussion) was active today against the New York Jets and scored a touchdown.

UPDATE: Monday, Oct. 17 at 5:36 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Mike Tolbert (concussion) is expected to be ready for Week 7 against the Jets. He practiced today, according to San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee. 

UPDATE: Friday, Oct. 14 at 9:37 a.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Mike Tolbert (concussion) is fully expected to play Week 7 against the New York Jets, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "Mike Tolbert, who suffered a concussion this past Sunday, was cleared to practice Wednesday and is expected to practice Monday," reports Acee.

Update: Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 12:00 p.m. EST 

Chargers head coach Norv Turner mentioned to Kevin Acee of Sign On San Diego that Tolbert should play in Week 7. 

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Mike Tolbert, who suffered a concussion when his helmet flew off and his head hit the ground in the second quarter Sunday at Denver, is expected to be good to go after taking this week off as well.

"We will probably be dressing four running backs as we move forward," Norv Turner said. 

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This is good news for Tolbert owners because a concussion is very serious. Tolbert hasn't been a factor in fantasy football since his three touchdown performance in Week 1, and after he was injured a good deal of people contemplated whether or not they should keep him.

It looks as thought Tolbert will be good to go after the bye this week, which is why you should hold on to him. The Chargers always start slow to open the year, but they will pick it up after the bye. 

Tolbert will be a better back in the coming weeks, so don't panic too much right now. 

Previous Updates

Fortunately for Tolbert and the Chargers, they have a Week 6 bye where both running backs can take their time and recover.

Should Mathews' injury be more serious than anticipated, Tolbert's recovery becomes even more important.

According to Rotoworld, the concussion isn't expected to limit him in Week 7.

The Chargers will get back on the field with two straight road games in their quest to stay on top of the AFC West.

They first visit the Jets and then the Chiefs before returning home to play the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

The Jets and Chiefs games should excite fantasy owners of Tolbert very much.

New York is horrendous against the run and Kansas City isn't too much better. And both defenses are two of the worst in the league against rushing touchdowns.

Even if Ryan Mathews is back in the lineup, Tolbert will still get his opportunities. Should the youngster miss any time, then Tolbert becomes a must-start.

Monitor both players status' throughout the week and and we'll update when more is known.