Within the organization, while faith remains RB Ryan Mathews can have a good career, there is some doubt he'll become the player that was envisioned three years ago.
He's yet to seize a full-time role. He's made strides, but he must further refine the technical aspects of the position, be less a brawler and more a boxer in the ring, showing the polish that'll make him reliable on a down-to-down basis.
"I came into this season missing two games with my right broken clavicle," Mathews said. "I left the season missing two games with a left broken clavicle. They say bad things come in threes. Hopefully, all mine are done. All mine are done, and I'll be good.
"If not, I'm just going to keep taking my punches and keep working and doing what I need to do to better myself."
