Ryan

Mathews

It wasn’t a rest day. Coach Norv Turner said after the workout he’s “hopeful” Mathews will practice later in the week. Mathews has often struggled playing at less than 100 percent, so this is a potentially significant development for Oakland. Mathews has been the Chargers’ best offensive player recently.

Tolbert had additional tests on Monday and then was declared healthy by doctors. Owners in touchdown-heavy leagues shouldn’t have any concerns about getting the wrecking ball in starting lineups. Just realize that last week’s outburst was above the fantasy ceiling, as Tolbert shares reps with Ryan Mathews.

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora confirms that Tolbert is “fully expected to play” in Week 2 against the Patriots. Tolbert continues to operate as San Diego’s primary third-down and red-zone back, killing Ryan Mathews’ fantasy value. Tolbert will remain a dicey option on his own. He won’t score three times inside the opposing red every week, and only gets 12-15 touches a game. We’d advise against chasing Tolbert’s big Week 1 at New England.

Tolbert’s fourth-quarter fumble killed any chance the rallying Chargers had at a comeback win over the Patriots. It’s a concern, especially as the highly-talented Ryan Mathews appears to be turning a corner. “I let the team down and it hurts,” Tolbert said after Sunday’s loss.

He severely out-played Mike Tolbert, who could take the ball just 10 yards on nine carries while catching eight passes for 73 yards. Mathews has gone for 244 yards from scrimmage through San Diego’s first two games, compared to 176 for Tolbert. The tide may be turning in the Chargers backfield.

Mathews added four catches for 51 yards. The real news of the day, however, is that Mathews was used as the primary goal-line back, impressively scoring two short touchdowns. He also played on the majority of third downs, another job previously held by Mike Tolbert. With Mathews’ exceptional talent finally shining through, his stock is about to go through the roof in fantasy. The second-year back is turning this committee into more of a 75/25 split.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune is confident that Mathews will play, but the missed practice time could impact his snap-count. It’s poor timing with Mathews’ role expanding in Week 3. The workload could return to a pure committee attack with Mike Tolbert against the Dolphins.

Not a great sign, but Mathews vows to return to a “full-speed” practice on Friday. Turner’s initial comments after last week’s game suggested that Mathews’ increased role against the Chiefs was due in large part to Michael Tolbert missing practices. If that logic holds, Mathews could be on the short end of the stick this week. He’s a high-risk, high-reward fantasy play.

Acee suggests Tolbert may still be the favorite for “opportunities on the goal line.” While an increased workload overall is good news, Mathews isn’t quite yet the RB1 he produced like in Week 3 against the Chiefs. Chris Wesseling and Gregg Rosenthal rank Mathews as the No. 14 Week 4 fantasy back, with Tolbert at 31.

Fantasy owners should breathe a sigh of relief. Malcom Floyd (groin) was also back, so Jackson shouldn’t have to deal with bracket coverage against the Dolphins. Mathews’ return was expected, but it’s unclear if he’s in line for the same heavy workload he experienced against Kansas City. Chargers coach Norv Turner is a big believer in practice participation affecting game plans. Mathews and Mike Tolbert could resume their rotation, with Mathews operating mostly on early downs and getting some passing-game work, and Tolbert resuming his red-zone duties. We won’t know until the game is played.