San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews should return from a seven game absence due to a knee injury this week against the Oakland Raiders.
How much work should Chargers fans and fantasy owners expect for Mathews?
"Mathews will likely lead the backfield in touches versus Oakland, projecting to see around 15 or so, depending on game glow," Michael Gehlken of UT San Diego wrote Wednesday.
Mathews averaged 4.1 yards per carry last season while racking up 1,255 yards and six touchdowns. He also hauled in 26 catches for 189 yards and 1 score. Mathews was largely disappointing in his two games before suffering a sprained knee this season. He rushed 23 times for just 71 yards (3.1 yards per carry) and one touchdown. However, those games were against the stingy rushing defenses of the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
"If Mathews can remain healthy the rest of the way, his presence should help balance out the Chargers' strong passing attack," wrote ESPN's Joe Kaiser.
San Diego's next two games should enable Mathews to produce quickly, as they come against Oakland's 27th-ranked rushing defense (130.9 yards allowed per game) and a St. Louis Rams defense that has surrendered five rushing touchdowns in its last four games.
