Ryan Mathews can't catch a break. With Mike Tolbert sidelined with a hamstring injury, Monday was supposed to be Mathews' night to shine. Instead, he left early with a groin injury. He still managed to rack up 112 yards from scrimmage (57 rushing, 55 receiving) but lost a fumble and didn't score.
Once he left, little-used backup Curtis Brinkley entered the game and scored his first career touchdown, not to mention the ensuing two-point conversion. Brinkley finished with 10 carries for 43 yards and three catches for 24 yards.
Mathews came into Monday night's game against Kansas City Chiefs as probable after dealing with a minor thumb issue. Mathews briefly left the Chargers' game against the Jets last Sunday and sported a bandage on the area earlier this week. However, he was a full participant in practice throughout the week.
In six games, Mathews has 509 yards on 112 carries with 3 touchdowns. He previously ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries while adding four catches for 51 yards when the Chiefs faced San Diego earlier this season.
For more on Mathews and his matchup with the Chiefs, check out our Chargers blog, Bolts From The Blue, and our Chiefs blog, Arrowhead Pride.