The Chargers’ ground game is set to lean on an undrafted rookie in Week Six.
Veteran tailbacks Ryan Mathews (knee) and Donald Brown (concussion) have been declared out of Sunday’s game at Oakland, according to the team’s injury report. This leaves first-year player Branden Oliver in line to get the bulk of the rushing work for San Diego (4-1).
A University at Buffalo product, Oliver signed with the Chargers in May. He relieved the injured Brown in Sunday’s win against the Jets and racked up 182 combined rushing-receiving yards and two TDs on 23 touches. The Chargers also have veteran backs Shaun Draughn and Ronnie Brown in reserve.
Along with Mathews and Donald Brown, the Chargers have ruled out cornerback Shareece Wright (knee) and inside linebacker Manti Te’o (foot) for another week with their injuries.
In other Chargers injury news, right tackle D.J. Fluker (ankle) is questionable after putting in a full practice Friday. He had missed the previous two days of practice.
