FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 2/21/2013 10:21pm et

San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco praised RB Ryan Mathews, calling him a talented back, and someone who could be a "bellcow back." Telesco also said he would like to get a running back to compliment Mathews. Telesco said he believes Mathews can handle it on his own, but must prove he can stay healthy.

Huddle Up: Mathews has missed 10 games over his 3 NFL seasons, including 4 this past year due to a pair of collarbone fractures. His best season came in 2011, when he rolled up 1,546 total yards and 6 TDs in 14 contests, and that has to be the basis for the Bolts' optimism.

Posted: 1/8/2013 10:14pm et

The San Diego Chargers are beginning to wonder if RB Ryan Mathews will ever become the type of player they thought he would become when they selected him 12th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. The team would like him to become more polished and seize the full-time running back role. San Diego used RB Ronnie Brown in a receiving role this year in order to keep Mathews fresh; Brown ran a passing route on 60.4 percent of his offensive snaps, while Mathews ran routes 42.1 percent of the time. Mathews still believes he can be a game-changing back for the Chargers, however. 'It's time for me to show them why they bumped up all the spots they did to draft me,' Mathews, 25, said. 'I've shown greatness at times, and I've shown I can be the worst player at times. You've got to be consistent, and that's what I plan to do, Just be a little more consistent player and just be the guy they knew when they drafted.'

Huddle Up: Mathews' numbers took a dip across the board in 2012 as he played in 2 fewer games, rushed for 484 fewer yards, had 11 fewer receptions and saw his yards-per-carry average drop by more than a full yard (4.9 to 3.8) from his 2011 figures. Mathews' first order of business will be to stay healthy after missing at least 2 games in each of his first 3 seasons, and then he can go about proving himself as a dependable No. 1 back.

Posted: 12/17/2012 11:33am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews will be placed on Injured Reserve this week with a broken left clavicle.

Huddle Up: Mathews has now broken both clavicles and the faith and hopes of any remaining fantasy owners. You'll be able to find him in the bargain bin next year, just waiting to shatter a new set of dreams.

Posted: 12/16/2012 6:47pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews left Sunday's Week 15 game with a broken clavicle in the second quarter.

Huddle Up: It was the same injury that Mathews suffered in the preseason, putting his fantasy owners out of their misery. Mathews had 4 rushes for 22 yards and 3 catches for 8 yards before leaving, and was replaced by Jackie Battle and Curtis Brinkley with Ronnie Brown a pre-game injury inactive.

Posted: 11/17/2012 6:42pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (neck) is a game-time decision but should be able to play in Week 11. He sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday but practiced Friday, Nov. 16, on a limited basis.

Huddle Up: Start Mathews if you need to after checking the pre-game status reports, but the RB has been disappointing, even when healthy, topping 100 total yards in only 2 games and scoring only 1 TD so far.

Posted: 11/16/2012 3:26pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (neck) is participating in practice Friday, Nov 16.

Huddle Up: His status was up in the air earlier this week as he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but this is good news for his prospects this weekend. Of course, Mathews has been a fantasy bust this season, so there is no reason to think he will have a great game.

Posted: 11/15/2012 6:34pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (neck) did not practice Thursday, Nov. 15.

Huddle Up: Mathews missed his second straight practice as he deals with the after-effects of the Week 10 helmet-to-helmet collision with Bucs LB Quincy Black, who has since been placed on IR because of the hit. The Bolts are hopeful Mathews will be able to play in Sunday's critical AFC West game in Denver, and being able to get in some practice reps Friday would go a lot way toward that goal.

Posted: 11/14/2012 7:12pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (neck) did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Huddle Up: There's been nothing to indicate this is anything big, and it was the Bolts' first practice of the week so see what Mathews does over the next couple days.

Posted: 11/2/2012 12:06am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews rushed 13 times for a game-high 67 yards and added 2 receptions for 5 yards Thursday night in a 31-14 Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Huddle Up: Aside from his 31-yard run in the fourth quarter, Mathews didn't do much of anything for his fantasy owners. Ronnie Brown, who finished with a team-high 5 catches, now has taken over the role as the team's third-down back, and Mathews isn't finding the end zone as he's still stuck on 1 TD halfway through the season.

Posted: 10/16/2012 12:41am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews carried 22 times for 74 yards in the Week 6 game Monday, Oct. 15, against the Denver Broncos. He also added four catches for 19 yards, but he was unable to find the end zone.

Huddle Up: While Mathews couldn't deliver a TD for his fantasy owners, at least he was the workhorse he was drafted to be, accounting for 22 of the team's 27 rushes and leading the team's RBs in targets (5) and receptions (4).

Posted: 10/11/2012 12:04pm et

The San Diego Chargers reportedly believe RB Ryan Mathews is ready to take that next step and return to the starting lineup in Week 6. "He's made the progress we'd like," head coach Norv Turner said of Mathews. In the team's past five quarters, Mathews has 22 carries for 160 yards and a touchdown with seven receptions for 69 yards. He averaged 6.5 yards per touch the past two games, ranking second among all NFL running backs over that span. Mathews did not practice Wednesday, Oct. 10; however, the team is hopeful he will play in Week 6.

Huddle Up: Gee, what a novel idea: put the best player on your team on the field to start the game, and then actually give him the ball. Solid strategery from Norv here; let's hope he follows through and gives Mathews the workload he promised in the preseasion--and that Mathews keeps running like he's been running.

Posted: 10/8/2012 11:41am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews carried 12 times for 80 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. He also added six receptions for 59 yards.

Huddle Up: About the only thing stopping Mathews Sunday night was Norv Turner, who insisted on using the pedestrian Jackie Battle to start the game and at the goal line and inserted the ordinary Ronnie Brown in passing situations. It's clear Mathews is the most talented back in San Diego, but it's unclear if Turner will give him the touches he deserves.

Posted: 10/3/2012 4:37pm et

Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers RB Jackie Battle is listed as the starting running back on the depth chart at this point but a team spokesperson said that is only because Battle started in Week 4. The team still has confidence in RB Ryan Mathews and it likely will not take long before Mathews is listed as the starter again.

Huddle Up: Is this stubborn punishment from the Chargers or is this simply much ado about nothing? They might say Battle is listed as the starter simply by virtue of his Week 4 start, but it does not seem to be that simple. Battle got the majority of playing time while Mathews was stuck on four carries for one yard until the fourth quarter, when he saved his fantasy day with some garbage time points. If that is any indication, his owners could be in for a long season.

Posted: 9/28/2012 3:24pm et

San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said he is not happy with RB Ryan Mathews' chronic fumbling issues since entering the league and that Mathews will lose some playing time if he is not able to improve his ball security. 'I am very concerned, and it has to stop,' Smith said. 'I believe you can improve in ball security. And no one works any harder in trying to get better than Ryan. However, if it continues he will play less.' Mathews has fumbled 11 times since joining the Chargers. He is averaging a fumble every 42 1/2 times he touches the ball and losing a fumble every 78 touches.

Huddle Up: This seems like motivational bluster more than anything. Are the Chargers really going to rely on the likes of Jackie Battles and Ronnie Brown just because Mathews fumbles again? He is, after all, the most talented running back in that backfield by a mile.

Posted: 9/24/2012 4:54pm et

San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said RB Ryan Mathews' carries may be limited at specific times due to his fumbling issues.

Huddle Up: Matthews doesn't have the full trust of his coach after fumbling near the goal line in his first game back from injury. Losing goal line carries would dent Matthews value going forward. No need to panic but a situation worth monitoring.

Posted: 9/24/2012 12:58am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews made his 2012 debut Sunday, rushing for 44 yards on 10 carries and catching 5 passes for 32 yards in his team's 27-6 loss to the visiting Atlanta Falcons.

Huddle Up: Mathews was thrown right into the fray, logging 10 of the Chargers' 13 RB carries. He also lost a fumble and failed to find the end zone, but looking at the big picture, he certainly wasn't the only San Diego offensive player to struggle in a dismal outing for the previously undefeated Bolts.

Posted: 9/23/2012 12:00am et

San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said he expects RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) to be ready for the team's Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons. 'I expect him to come in and play at a high level,' Turner said.

Huddle Up: Fantasy GMs who spent a high draft pick on the RB hope Turner is right after being without Mathews for the first 2 weeks of the season. He'll get a favorable opening matchup with the Falcons having allowed 270 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the ground in 2 games.

Posted: 9/21/2012 6:57pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) is listed as questionable for the team's Week 3 game.

Huddle Up: Despite the 50-50 designation on the injury report, expect Mathews to make his 2012 debut Sunday against the Falcons. The RB has put in 2 weeks of practice time with contact, and the main question for coach Norv Turner and his staff is determining Mathews' workload out of the gate.

Posted: 9/20/2012 12:00pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews said he feels ready to play in the team's Week 3 game after practicing Wednesday, Sept. 19. "I feel great, I feel healthy, and I feel strong," Mathews said. "I think (the coaches) know what I can do. I know they know I'm ready. It's a long season, and they're going to be real smart with me. Really, it's just taking it day by day and seeing whether I go Saturday when they make that final decision."

Huddle Up: After flirting with a return each of the previous two weeks, it certainly appears Mathews is all systems go for the Chargers' Week 3 game with the Falcons. It's a good opportunity to get Mathews off your fantasy bench and into the action.

Posted: 9/19/2012 7:41pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) practiced in full Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Huddle Up: It's looking like the wait is over for both Mathews and his fantasy owners as the Chargers' top back appears set to make his 2012 debut Sunday against the Falcons.

Posted: 9/17/2012 4:27pm et

San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said he expects RB Ryan Mathews (collarbone) to take part in practice Wednesday, Sept. 19. It appears like Mathews will be able to play Week 3

Huddle Up: Potentially good news for those that played "draft and stash" despite Matthews injury early in the preseason.

Posted: 9/17/2012 11:16am et

Barring a setback, San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews will likely play in Week 3.

Huddle Up: We've heard this "wait until next week" line before, but after returning to practice last week it certainly looks like Mathews will be available in Week 3. If you have the luxury of waiting a week before plugging him back into your fantasy lineup it would be nice to see what sort of workload he'll be given.

Posted: 9/14/2012 4:12pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) has been cleared for contact but may not play Week 2 because the team has been targeting a Week 3 return at the earliest to allow his broken clavicle to fully heal.

Huddle Up: Even if Mathews suits up and plays, his touches will likely be limited. The likelihood is that San Diego will give him one more week to heal up in lieu of bringing him back too early and risking another injury. Unfortunately, Ronnie Brown and Curtis Brinkley have the upside of asphalt pavement at the moment, though one of them could fall into the end zone if the Chargers get to the goal line.

Posted: 9/13/2012 9:56pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) will play in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans after being limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 13. He took contact in team drills Thursday for the first time since being injured Aug. 9.

Huddle Up: The Chargers have said that Mathews' situation could change any day, and Thursday was the day for the RB to return to contact drills. Of course, even if Mathews plays, the question coming off a serious injury, is how much? His touches figure to limited at first so use Mathews with caution in your fantasy lineups.

Posted: 9/11/2012 8:21pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) has not been cleared for contact yet after suffering a broken clavicle Aug. 9. It is not clear if Mathews will be available to return to action in Week 2 when the Chargers host the Tennessee Titans. The team hasn't given a clear indication when he will be cleared to return. 'It could be tomorrow, or it could be a week from tomorrow. We're continuing to evaluate him, and hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later. But again, we'll get an update tomorrow based on how much he's able to do in practice, and the day he's cleared, we'll let you know,' head coach Norv Turner told the media Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Huddle Up: It's a frustrating waiting game for Mathews' fantasy owners, but then again most of them had to knowwhat they were getting into when they drafted the RB.

Posted: 9/11/2012 12:31pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley carried 10 times for just 12 yards in Week 1 against the Oakland Raiders Monday, Sept. 10. He and WR Eddie Royal actually led the team in rushing yardage. RB Ronnie Brown carried five times for just five yards, while FB Le'Ron McClain had two carries for five yards. The team obviously missed RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle), who was inactive.

Huddle Up: Brown was the back many Mathews owners targeted as a Week 1 handcuff, but he did next to nothing aside from PPR leagues where he did get points for his 5 receptions and 26 yards receiving. Mathews is hoping to be back for Week 2, but it figures to be a wait-and-see process all week.

Posted: 9/8/2012 8:14pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) has been ruled out for the team's Week 1 game against the Oakland Raiders. He was limited in practice Saturday, Aug. 8.

Huddle Up: Certainly no shocker here. Mathews and his fantasy owners can start focusing on Week 1.

Posted: 9/7/2012 8:31pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) was limited in practice Friday, Sept. 7.

Huddle Up: Again, Mathews isn't expected to play Week 1 as he recovers from a broken collarbone. Ronnie Brown is the only other San Diego RB worthy of a fantasy start this week.

Posted: 9/3/2012 7:31pm et

Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (broken clavicle) said he has not been cleared for contact yet and is not sure when he will receive clearance.

Huddle Up: We already know San Diego's top back will miss Monday night's season opener against the Raiders. His status beyond that is anyone's guess at this point.

Posted: 8/28/2012 11:52pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) was given the green light by the team's medical staff Monday, Aug. 27, to begin upper-body exercises on his left side. He remains confident he'll be ready to go in the regular season opener Sept. 10, against the Oakland Raiders.

Huddle Up: Upper-body exercises are still a far cry from the punishing contact absorbed from NFL defenders meaning Mathews' fantasy owners are likely going to have to start him with caution the first month or so of the regular season.

Posted: 8/27/2012 11:52am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews said he is ahead of schedule in his rehab and he is determined to be ready for Week 1. "I'm definitely ahead of schedule," Mathews said. "I've always been a fast healer, and that's proving true right now. My range of motion is improving and I'm feeling really good. I've been staying upbeat about an unfortunate situation, and everything I do right now is about getting healthy. Honestly, I can't wait to get back on the field." Mathews has two wires attached to his surgically repaired right clavicle. The wires are attached to a bone stimulator designed to facilitate repair and accelerate recovery.

Huddle Up: Week 1 still seems optimistic, but keep in mind that Mathews missed two games last year and still finished seventh among running backs in fantasy points. He's been falling into the third or fourth round in many drafts, where he'd be an absolute steal.

Posted: 8/23/2012 12:04pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews caught and threw footballs Wednesday, Aug. 22, during rehabilitation work. Mathews has said his goal is to be ready for Week 1, but it is considered a long shot that he'd be able to return that quickly after just breaking his clavicle 13 days ago.

Huddle Up: The stat that was bandied about was 8.8 weeks for an NFL player to return from a broken clavicle, which would put Mathews back on the field some time around the start of October. Week 1 seems optimistic, but after watching Marquis Colston bust his collarbone in the opener last season and be back on the field in Week 4 (and scoring touchdowns in Week 6) it's not out of the realm of possibility. Draft Mathews in the second or third round knowing that he'll miss a couple games--but that he missed two games last year and still finished seventh in fantasy scoring among running backs.

Posted: 8/17/2012 12:18pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews is adamant he will be ready to play by Week 1. Mathews said he has "no doubt" that he'll be in uniform for the team's first game of the season.

Huddle Up: It's an aggressive recovery from an injury that on average takes eight weeks to come back from. But Mathews seems keen on shedding the injury-prone label he's been saddled with after missing six games in his first two NFL seasons, and with Mike Tolbert gone the Chargers need Mathews on the field more than ever. Don't let him fall too far in your draft; keep in mind that despite missing two games last year he finished seventh in fantasy scoring among running backs.

Posted: 8/14/2012 4:10pm et

San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner likes the fact that RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) thinks he can return to play in Week 1, but Turner said it won't be Mathews' call. Mathews is expected to be able to return in four to six weeks. 'The last time I checked, Ryan is not a doctor,' Turner said. 'We're going to just evaluate him on a weekly basis. If he heals fast and he's ready that early, that'd be great. What I've been told is four to six weeks in terms of him being able to get back out there. We'll just see how it goes.'

Huddle Up: Despite Mathews' optimism, the RB's return is a wait-and-see proposition and definitely a situation to monitor. In the meantime, San Diego will make do with a mix of Ronnie Brown, Jackie Battle and Curtis Brinkley. Mathews' draft stock deserves a few down ticks, but he still needs to be drafted as a No. 1 fantasy back.

Posted: 8/11/2012 11:50am et

A team orthopedic surgeon said Friday, Aug. 10, that an early return for San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) would be highly irregular. A four-week return would put Mathews in position to potentially play in the Sept. 10 Week 1 opener against the Oakland Raiders. 'Frankly, I don't think most people would release him before six weeks,' the surgeon said.

Huddle Up: This is reason enough to let Mathews slide to the second round or let someone else take the risk in the first round of your draft. Running backs need shoulders kind of badly when they run and it could take time for Mathews to hit his stride even when he does play. If this scares you, then good. It should.

Posted: 8/10/2012 12:44pm et

If San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews needs six weeks to recover from a broken clavicle, he probably won't return to the lineup until Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury problem hasn't changed head coach Norv Turner's opinion about Mathews for this year. "I still expect him to have a great year," Turner noted.

Huddle Up: If you were already skittish about Mathews, who has missed six games in two NFL seasons, after this you aren't going anywhere near him. If you can stomach the risk, consider that he missed two games last year and was still the #7 fantasy RB. The Chargers' bye comes in Week 7 so there's a chance he could be rested until then, but after watching Marques Colston bust his collarbone in Week 1 and return in Week 4 (putting up 118 and a touch in Week 6) there's cause for cautious optimism if Mathews falls into the fourth round of your draft.

Posted: 8/10/2012 1:18am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (clavicle) suffered a broken clavicle in the preseason game Thursday, Aug. 9, and will miss four to six weeks. Mathews is scheduled to have surgery Friday, Aug. 10.

Huddle Up: One pre-season carry into his role as workhorse back, Mathews is out for maybe six weeks and will be on the operating table Friday. The best-case scenario for a return could be by the season opener, but fantasy owners may be looking at loosing a first round pick for up to two games to start the season. His draft stock will surely drop, but he could still turn in top 5 fantasy numbers once he returns fully... If he can stay healthy. Backups Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle will now get all the pre-season action.

Posted: 8/2/2012 12:18pm et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews has looked explosive thus far in training camp, according to head coach Norv Turner, even after suffering minor injuries in a car accident earlier this week. "He looked fast to me," Turner said. "He looked real fast. He's a really explosive player. Just missing a couple days and then coming back out here, you just feel his presence."

Huddle Up: There's two schools of thought on Mathews: The first views him as soft and injury-prone, likely to break under the weight of an increased workload this season; the second sees an opportunity for Mathews to pick up the touches vacated by Mike Tolbert and become an elite fantasy back. Norv Turner seems to be in the second camp, so if you can get comfortable with Mathews' injury risk you have to be excited about Mathews' fantasy prospects in 2012.

Posted: 8/1/2012 1:09am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (undisclosed) was involved in a car accident Tuesday, July 31, that may cause him to miss practice time. He was 'just a little shaken up,' but the team isn't releasing any more details. He was taken to the hospital while complaining of pain, but no other injuries were reported. Police officers said drugs and alcohol did not appear to play a part.

Huddle Up: Cue up the injury-bug jokes... Seriously, Mathews is reportedly okay and sustained 'minor injuries' per Kevin Acee of the Union Tribune.

Posted: 6/18/2012 2:22am et

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews is excited about the opportunity to be the team's feature back. "I can't wait to take the challenge head on. I just really can't wait to get out there and work and show what I can do," Mathews said. Mathews has focused on improving his ability as a third-down back during the offseason, as he was rarely on the field during third downs due to his struggles in pass protection. Running backs coach Ollie Wilson said Mathews is "getting there" with his protection, noting he is there from a technique standpoint but the team won't have a real good idea until they put the pads on and are in live settings.

Huddle Up: With Mike Tolbert no longer around to take a bite out of his opportunities, Mathews is typically the fourth running back off the board with an ADP of ninth overall and climbing. Ronnie Brown and LeRon McClain are the backups, but all indications are Mathews will see a 20-plus touch-per-game workload; the question is whether you believe he'll hold up to that workload over a full 16-game slate.