Ryan Mathews appears to be on the verge of returning, and
Mike Tolbert isn’t going anywhere.
“If Tolbert is healthy and going, he’s going to get the ball,” head coach Norv Turner said. “But Ryan has got to be able to go in too.”
Tolbert missed practice yesterday in what he called a “precautionary” move due to the right hand he bruised Sunday at Indianapolis. Despite the hand being wrapped, Tolbert said he was “feeling good” and added, “I’m going to play.”
As the Chargers enter what appears to be a crucial stretch of games, it appears the plan will be for Tolbert and Mathews to split time in some fashion.
Mathews, who had not practiced since prior to the Chargers’ Nov. 8 game at Houston, wherein he aggravated his high ankle sprain, worked all of Wednesday’s practice and appears on track to return Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.
“It is big getting him back out there,” Turner said. “… It certainly will help give him a chance to play in the game.”
Given how often Mathews has been missing games this season, the combo is worth holding on to heading down the stretch and into the playoffs. Tolbert should get short yardage and goal line work, but for now we'll have to wait and see how healthy Mathews is before putting him in your lineup.
