San Diego Chargers Running Back Ryan Mathews Returned To Practice Today

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego,CA- San Diego Chargers Running Back Ryan Mathews returned to practice Friday morning according to Eric Williams who covers the San Diego Chargers ESPN.

Mathews has basically been on the same practice schedule as he was last week, due to his left ankle injury. Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy reiterated these thoughts to the San Diego Union Tribune’s Tom Krasovic

"Mathews is on the same practice plan as last week. Off on Wednesday and Thursday. Practice Friday."

Mathews has had a solid season for the Chargers rushing for 144-yards in his last game against the Chiefs to clinch the AFC’s final wildcard spot. Mathews has rushed for 1,255 yards on the season, a new career high and six 100 yard games, which was also a new career high. Mathew’s finished 7th in the NFL in rushing yards with 1, 255 yards. Mathews finished second in the NFL for Most Rushing yards in December with 534 yards. Mathews finished 64 yards behind the NFL’s leading rusher LeSean McCoy.

When asked about how well Mathews has been running the past few weeks, Chargers Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt told the San Diego Union Tribune’s Tom Krasovic

"Mathews is running stronger late in year. Credits Mathews’ confidence in scheme, much better footwork, OL health."

While it was expected Mathews would practice on Friday all week, it was still a concern for most Chargers fans until this morning when Mathews returned to the field.

It is crucial for the Chargers that Mathews continues his breakout season with another big game Sunday in Cincinnati against the No. 3 seed Bengals. With the weather reports coming in from Cincinnati stating that there’s an 89 percent chance of rain and snow the ground game for the Chargers will not only be vital to keeping the Bengals explosive offense off the field, but also in order to get the offense moving in the difficult conditions.