San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews injured during preseason game against Green Bay Packers – NFL News
With all the anticipation about seeing a rejuvenated running back Ryan Mathews playing for San Diego Chargers, all went in vein as he got injured during a preseason game against Green Bay Packers on Thursday.
Chargers won the game 21-13, but the victory was not celebrated with pleasure as one of their main players in the offensive line got injured.
Head Coach Norv Turner broke the news after the game that Mathews had broken his clavicle and will have a surgery.
If this was not enough bad news, Mathews is likely to be absent from the field for four to six weeks.
It is a very disappointing news, especially for Chargers offence that looks to be very vulnerable in the running game without Mathews.
Quarterback Philip River spoke about this matter. He said:
"It's disappointing. You hate it for him, first of all, and then obviously it affects the team. It's just unfortunate -- first carry of the season -- but he'll still bounce back and have a great year."
Mathews’ injury comes as a big blow to their plans for this season. Chargers were hoping to provide Mathews with more than 300 touches this season. Yet, they will be working under back up plan in coming weeks.
Chargers will look to return to their previous “Bell Cow” system they had with LaDainian Tomlinson.
Mathews was looking for a breakout season this year as he rated himself to have the skills to be among the top five running backs in the league this season.
In Mathews’ absence, Chargers’ backup options include Curtis Brinkley, Curtis Brinkley and Ronnie Brown.
There is also a possibility that fullback Le’Ron McClain could start in place of Mathews. Yet Brown will more likely get the starting job.
Chargers drafted Mathews in the first round (12th overall pick) of the 2010 draft. Last season he played 14 games and had 222 carries while covering 1,091 yards.
Tags: