Chargers vs. Broncos: RB Ryan Mathews spotted in brace, walking ‘gingerly’

There was hope early Friday that San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews would be just fine going into Sunday’s playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos.

But that hope has quickly faded and grown into cause for concern as the former Fresno State product was spotted in a brace walking ‘gingerly’ at practice today, this according to ESPN:

"Wearing a brace on his left ankle, Chargers running back Ryan Mathews left the practice field Friday and gingerly made his way to the locker room.Mathews has not practiced this week because of the balky ankle and is listed as questionable on San Diego’s injury report for Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game against the Broncos in Denver. He had been a limited participant on Friday before playing on Sunday the past two weeks."

San Diego, especially as of late has been a force on the offensive side of the ball, pounding the clock into victories. Much of that success has come from Mathews, who after a slow start has turned into a clock milking asset.

That’s likely this weekends game plan for the Chargers as they look to defeat the Broncos in their Divisional Round playoff contest.

Mathews has not been ruled out and still has another two days to get healthy, but there’s understandable worry within the Chargers organization right now.

If Mathews is unable to participate, Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown stand to see more snaps.