Ryan Mathews misses practice with concussion

It’s looking more likely that the Chargers will be missing starting running back Ryan Mathews for Monday nights game against the Indianapolis Colts.

According to Pro Football Talk, San Diego Union Tribune writer Michael Gehlken has reported that Mathews has not been cleared to practice after suffering a concussion in the loss against the Raiders last week.

While not having an astounding year, Mathews has brought toughness to a Chargers running attack that certainly needs it. If Mathews is not cleared, the Chargers will have to rely on Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown to provide some sort of semblance of a running game.

Luckily, there is good news for the injury-riddle Chargers.

Starting left tackle King Dunlap has been cleared from his concussion and is practicing today. Quarterback Philip Rivers must be ecstatic about the news. With backup swing tackle Mike Harris placed on season-ending injured reserve earlier this week, it looked like undrafted rookie Nick Becton was likely to be protecting Rivers’ blindside had Dunlap not been cleared

Unfortunately, Rivers shouldn’t get too excited. Both starting left guard Chad Rinehart  (foot) and right tackler D.J. Fluker missed practice today. Fluker’s absence has so far gone unexplained.

So far, the injuries to both the offensive line and receiver positions have not prevented Rivers from having a Pro Bowl-caliber year so far, but it remains to be seen how long that can last.