Chargers list Ryan Mathews as “questionable” for Sundays game against the Broncos

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego,CA- San Diego Chargers Running Back Ryan Mathews did not return to practice Friday morning according to and has been listed by the Chargers as questionable for Sundays playoff game against the Bronco’s.

It was assumed that Mathews was on the same practice schedule that Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy has had Mathews on the last few weeks , due to his left ankle injury. Off on Wednesday and Thursday. Practice Friday. Except this week Mathews did not practice with the team Friday morning.

According to the Michael Gehlken of UT-San Diego Mathews is expected to play Sunday.

"Questionable means 50-50 chance of playing. Ryan Mathews’ chances look better. Team source on him facing Broncos: “That’s the plan.”"

Mathews left last Sundays playoff game against the Bengals in the 3rd quarter due to his ankle injury and never returned.

Mathews told Eric Williams who covers the San Diego Chargers for ESPN that he will do what he can to play Sunday.

"“The more rest you get, the better everything gets. It is only a week, so I’m just going to do what I can.”"

Philip Rivers on Ryan Mathews availability after practice.

"“He’s going to do all he can to play, to give himself the best chance to play four quarters.”"

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.

It is crucial for the Chargers that Mathews is able to play Sunday in Denver against the No. 1 seed Bronco’s. The ground game will be absolutely vital for the Chargers to upset the Broncos again in Denver. As the Chargers will follow the same game plan that they’ve followed in their two games against the Broncos this season…..run the ball….convert in the RedZone….control the clock and keep Peyton Manning and their explosive offense off the field.

As for the rest of the Chargers, Center Nick Hardwick returned to practice today. Eddie Royal and Jeromy Clary did not practice today.