Ryan Mathews likely out until after bye, fantasy owners will have to wait

The Chargers running back hasn't played since mid-September and is still sitting out practices. We break down the fantasy implications.

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (sprained MCL) did not practice on Wednesday and is unlikely to play in the team's Week 9 game against the Miami Dolphins, according to U-T San Diego writer Michael Gehlken. Mathews had 71 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries before being hurt.

Fantasy Impact: It was generally assumed that Mathews would rest until after the bye week for a while now, and with rookie Branden Oliver playing well in Mathews' absence and the team boasting a 5-2 record, there is no reason to rush Mathews back.

Fantasy owners have to be frustrated with the news nevertheless considering Mathews wasn't initially expected to miss any more than six weeks. Although he likely will get the early down work alongside Oliver when he returns to the lineup, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see Mathews give up some touches.

It's a dicey situation moving forward in San Diego's running game and that means fantasy owners who are still holding onto Mathews at the moment are best to wait and see how he looks once he makes his return before considering a trade or the possibility of cutting him in deep leagues.

from SBNation.com - All Posts http://www.sbnation.com/fantasy/2014/10/29/7091849/ryan-mathews-injury-fantasy-football-chargers

via IFTTT