Chargers’ RB Mathews missed Wednesday practice
San Diego Chargers’ running back Ryan Mathews missed practice Wednesday, but all signs point to the absence as simply precautionary, according to reports.
Mathews has been somewhat hobbled by an ankle injury, although it didn’t stop him from rushing for a career-high 144 yards Sunday in the Chargers’ playoff-clinching 27-24 overtime victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to Michael Gelkin at the San Diego Union-Tribune, Mathews was in a walking boot much like last week when he missed Wednesday and Thursday practices.
Ryan Mathews (ankle) not practicing today. Likely rest. Didn't practice last Wednesday or Thursday. Rushed for career-high 144 yards Sunday.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 1, 2014
Like last week, Ryan Mathews is walking in protective boot while resting ankle.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 1, 2014
Mathews set career-highs in rushing yards (1255) and rushing attempts (285) this season while helping lead San Diego to a 9-7 record and a playoff berth with the 6th and final seed out of the AFC.
The Chargers travel to the Cincinnati Bengals for a 1:05 p.m. ET game this Sunday. The Bengals ranked 5th in the NFL against the run in 2013, giving up just 96.5 yards per contest.
San Diego and Cincinnati faced off on December 1st in a 17-10 win for the Bengals. Mathews rushed 14 times in that game for 61 yards.
Cincinnati also ranks 5th against the pass, giving up 209 yards per game. It will undoubtedly take an all-around team effort and optimum health from the Chargers to crack the Bengals’ stout defense.