San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner hesitant to declare starting running back – NFL News
San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner has created more speculations about the playing time of running back Ryan Mathews as he did not reveal who would be the starting running back in Week 5 game against New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 07, 2012.
This new turn in the story has made analysts wonder what will be the role of Mathews in future. Talking to U-T San Diego after practice session on Friday, October 05, Turner said:
"The starter -- we'll find out on the first play of the game,"
Chargers started with their running back Jackie Battle in Week 4 game against Kansas City Chiefs. Chargers went on to win the game 37-20. Turner appreciated Battle for his performance in the game. Turner said:
"We just have a lot of guys that can make plays. I thought it was important to let Jackie start the game. I wanted to make sure we got into a rhythm. We had a plan for specific things for Ryan, and I thought he responded in the four minutes right there at
the end. He was rolling and hitting it."
Battle had 15 carries for 39 yards during the game. He also got four passes for 42 yards.
Mathews was benched at the start of Week 4 game and came late in the game. He previously said that he was anticipating a lack of playing time after a miserable show in Week 3 game which they loss 3-27 against Atlanta Falcons.
Mathews fumbled many times during the game and received criticism from Chargers general manager A.J. Smith.
It was reported that Mathews would likely get his starting place back in Week 5, but looking at the comments by the coach, it seems highly unlikely to be the case.
Battle himself remains optimistic and believes that he is ready to get increased role during coming weeks. Battle previously said:
“When they call plays and throw me out there, I just play. I kept trying to come off and they kept throwing me back in there.”
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