Source: CBSSports.com/Chargers Rapid Reports
On Wednesday, it seemed Ryan Mathews would once again be relegated to the sidelinesfor the home opener this weekend.
That all, however, changed with this report from Ricky Henne of Chargers.com earlier today:
“Practice just got under way, and Ryan Mathews is participating in full pads for the first time since fracturing his clavicle.”
It would be great for the Chargers offense if Mathews could be ready to play against Tennessee this weekend. After all, Eddie Royal, a number three wide receiver, tied with Curtis Brinkley for the team lead in rushing yards this past weekend with a measly 12 yards.
Although it didn’t seem like Brinkley and Co. had much room to run all game, it isn’t too big of a leap of fate to believe that Mathews could have been better. Specifically, on one occasion in the first quarter, the Chargers executed a screen play near perfection; however, Ronnie Brown couldn’t get up field quick enough to take advantage.
That’s an instance where Mathews would have shredded the Oakland Raiders defense.
That explosiveness is what was missing this past weekend, and that’s why it will be a welcomed sight to see Mathews return to the backfield. However, Norv Turner wasn’t willing to commit today as to when that might happen.
“We’re going to get Ryan ready,” Norv told Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego. “And when he’s ready, he’s going to play.”
Flashes of Lightning
• WR Richard Goodman (concussion) and CB Quentin Jammer (broken thumb) also returned to practice today. Jammer plans to play with a cast this weekend against Tennessee.
• Antonio Gates didn’t practice for a second straight day due to soreness. The team is hoping for him to be able to practice tomorrow.
• The Chargers received a 24-hour extension from the league to sell enough tickets to avoid a blackout this weekend. The general consensus is that the team will make it.
