Chargers running back Ryan Mathews admitted Friday he's having to adjust his goal.
Mathews expects to be sidelined Monday night in Oakland while recovering from a broken clavicle suffered Aug. 9. He began participating in individual drills this week at practice, running and catching passes seamlessly out of the backfield.
But the critical stage in Mathews' return to the field is becoming physically able to take contact to the shoulder.
Despite his efforts, he's not there yet.
The team will release his official game status Saturday.
"I haven't been cleared for contact, and I think we're just going to wait this week," Mathews said. "I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing. ... I just have to have the mindset right. I probably won't be playing in this game. But the next game, that's what I'm looking for now. I don't know about the team, but me personally, now I'm looking for that (Week 2) game against Tennessee."
The Chargers play the Titans on Sept. 16 at Qualcomm Stadium.
The news isn't shocking, as Ronnie Brown, who ranks 15th on our list, was expected to carry the load Monday night against Oakland. Now the hope for owners is that Mathews can return for Week 2. If Brown is available, we have him as a solid RB2 option this week.
Titans news
