Mathews vs. Tolbert (1 Viewer)

[Football Critic]

Reports all week say Mathews has been practicing fully. This is no doubt a quick return back from the High Ankle Sprain, ugh

What are the possibilities He performs well, and is Tolbert still the guy for this week and for weeks to come?

this is a messy situation and has many threads, but seen little about Mathews being back and the outlook for this week.

SD Homers and reports on how they plan to work it this week?

 

[AngryPatriot]

start Mathews any time he's in there, imo

 

[moderated]

Mathews, if he's playing it's not really a debate.

 

[JMJ]

Seems weird that this is even a question.

 

[FF Newbie]

What's "messy" about the situation? Mathews is the starter and Tolbert is the clear-cut backup. Tolbert will get a few carries here and there, but Mathews is the bell cow. Start Mathews with confidence.

 

[packersfan]

The only issue I could see is Tolbert vulturing TDs. He did vulture one in Week 2 before Mathews got hurt. But other than that, this doesn't seem like a difficult question. Mathews is the guy and will be the guy.

 

[Shutout]

Seems weird that this is even a question.

Seems like a valid quesiton for this week if the OP is looking for some "close to home" news as he said.High Ankle Sprains leave a bad vibe with me...Turner's med staff kille dmy season last year rushing him back too early.It seems reasonable that some SD homers might be hearing local news that may tell us if the team is going to be conservative or may have some better info on how healthy Matthews really is.I would be interested as a Matthews owner. Would hate to start him and see him gone again after re-aggravating the injury.

 

[dagwood]

What's "messy" about the situation? Mathews is the starter and Tolbert is the clear-cut backup. Tolbert will get a few carries here and there, but Mathews is the bell cow. Start Mathews with confidence.

Whats messy is the OP picked up Tolbert of the WW and thought he would be a strong play for several weeks and now his value has sunk to near zero and he wishes he had accepted one of those trade offers he got last week.

 

[Louisville Slugger]

Matthews is clearly the man, but Tolbert is really going to hurt his value by being a td vulture. I think Matthews is a high end #2 rb at this point.

 

[treat88]

People hear the words High Ankle Sprain and generalize the diagnosis/prognosis as uniformly poor.

The fact is every injury, regardless of the words used to describe it, is unique in severity and every player responds differently.

Just because Mathews described this injury as a High Ankle Sprain, that really doesn't tell us much.

All we really have to go on is his reported workload in practice, which from all indication indicates the situation should go back to status quo pre-injury.

I think it can be reasonably assumed this was an extremely minor sprain, even if it was the high ankle variety.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

easy call. If mathews plays don't play tollbert. He has lil to no value with mathews in. Now IF mathews comes back to early and reaggs the injury, then tollbert is the man again.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

People hear the words High Ankle Sprain and generalize the diagnosis/prognosis as uniformly poor.The fact is every injury, regardless of the words used to describe it, is unique in severity and every player responds differently.Just because Mathews described this injury as a High Ankle Sprain, that really doesn't tell us much.All we really have to go on is his reported workload in practice, which from all indication indicates the situation should go back to status quo pre-injury.I think it can be reasonably assumed this was an extremely minor sprain, even if it was the high ankle variety.

it's rare that HAS heal this soon. This has reagg written all over it.

 

[packersfan]

If Mathews was back practicing this week it's doubtful he had a high ankle sprain. It was probably a sprain of a lesser variety. I'm no doctor but players don't return this soon even to practice after suffering that type of injury. So that leads me to believe it wasn't a high ankle sprain and just a bad sprain of some kind.

 

[treat88]

If Mathews was back practicing this week it's doubtful he had a high ankle sprain. It was probably a sprain of a lesser variety. I'm no doctor but players don't return this soon even to practice after suffering that type of injury. So that leads me to believe it wasn't a high ankle sprain and just a bad sprain of some kind.

Exactly.But even HAS come in various shapes and sizes.Could have simply been a very mild one.My real point was simply calling it a HAS doesn't really say much about the expected course of recovery.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

on second thought, the OP may be onto something here. Whether or not Mathews starts, they are playing AZ (whose run d is poo) I could easily see the chargers blowing out the cards a la what the falcons did to them. With the game out of reach, and while 'killing the clock' etc I could see tollbert getting 10-15 touches in the second half and putting up decent stats. Also you have to think whether Mathews is back or not, the last thing they want is him getting gang tackled/slammed by 3-5 lbs/safeties/DT's as happens in the goalline sets, so those carries likely stay tollberts.

 

[Football Critic]

What's "messy" about the situation? Mathews is the starter and Tolbert is the clear-cut backup. Tolbert will get a few carries here and there, but Mathews is the bell cow. Start Mathews with confidence.

Whats messy is the OP picked up Tolbert of the WW and thought he would be a strong play for several weeks and now his value has sunk to near zero and he wishes he had accepted one of those trade offers he got last week.

Whats messy, is I already had Tolbert rostered for weeks, didn't get any trade offers, yet wish i woulda....and just quite simply, am not sure about a injury like a HAS.

 

[Football Critic]

on second thought, the OP may be onto something here. Whether or not Mathews starts, they are playing AZ (whose run d is poo) I could easily see the chargers blowing out the cards a la what the falcons did to them. With the game out of reach, and while 'killing the clock' etc I could see tollbert getting 10-15 touches in the second half and putting up decent stats. Also you have to think whether Mathews is back or not, the last thing they want is him getting gang tackled/slammed by 3-5 lbs/safeties/DT's as happens in the goalline sets, so those carries likely stay tollberts.

I agree, thats why I'm looking for advice, instead of just assuming if he's cleared to play that he will get 20 carries, even so Tolbert at 10 carries is a little more valuble considering they might be 1 of those that get him in the endzone.and is it a easy call? Mathews had fumbled twice, and gets pulled at the goaline, and has yet to really sparkle other then a few glimps of what may be to come.Not as easy as most of you think.

 

[packersfan]

I think if Mathews is your RB1 or RB2 you start him unless you have a stud to start ahead of him.

I think Tolbert could be a RB3 in larger leagues due to his TD potential.

The Chargers should be able to run all over the Cardinals so both Mathews and Tolbert could be productive starters depending on what your expectations for them are.

 

[treat88]

I don't think there's enough tape on the SD run game yet to know how things will be split up in subpackage situations.

I do think Mathews should be treated as if he is fully healthy.

If you invested the pick to take him, this is definitely one of the weeks to have him in your lineup.

Things may change, but they haven't changed yet.

 

[menobrown]

This is no decision, it's Mathews.

But I do think Tolbert might get 5 carries and most of the goal line work for the rest of the season so it does hurt Mathews value in that regard. The schedule is so attractive however that Mathews should still get some production.

I say all that and do think Tolbert could get a sneaky high amount of carries this week. Not because it's a RBBC or competition between him and Mathews but think he could get more work than normal if they end up getting a good lead on Arizona.

 

[cubbie5150]

on second thought, the OP may be onto something here. Whether or not Mathews starts, they are playing AZ (whose run d is poo) I could easily see the chargers blowing out the cards a la what the falcons did to them. With the game out of reach, and while 'killing the clock' etc I could see tollbert getting 10-15 touches in the second half and putting up decent stats. Also you have to think whether Mathews is back or not, the last thing they want is him getting gang tackled/slammed by 3-5 lbs/safeties/DT's as happens in the goalline sets, so those carries likely stay tollberts.

In one of my many bouts of over-thinking, I actually considered starting both Mathews & Tolbert...and this is in a league w/ no Flex. If Mendy hadn't ripped through Tampa so much last week, I'd be tempted to sit him against Balt this week...

 

[Gr00vus]

Haven't seen the practice report yet. If Matthews practices today you should start him unless you're in a TD heavy league.

 

[munygon2]

Haven't seen the practice report yet. If Matthews practices today you should start him unless you're in a TD heavy league.

Rotoworld news quote...

Ryan Mathews (ankle) practiced fully for a third straight day Friday and is listed as probable for Week 4.He'll start against the Cardinals. Mathews took all of the first-team reps during the practice week and should immediately be a candidate for 17-22 touches per game. He's not quite an RB1 as no lock to receive goal-line carries, but Mathews is a must-start in fantasy leagues in the favorable matchup.

 

[Babu Bhatt2]

Tolbert will get a few carries here and there, but Mathews is the bell cow.

I wouldn't go this far. Mathews is the high draft pick that the coaching staff has a lot invested in. Tolbert is the backup RB who has impressed. Mathews will get a few more games to prove himself, and chances are he will succeed. But he has not done anything yet to be classified as a bell cow, and if he falters Tolbert will get an opportunity.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I don't think there's enough tape on the SD run game yet to know how things will be split up in subpackage situations.I do think Mathews should be treated as if he is fully healthy.If you invested the pick to take him, this is definitely one of the weeks to have him in your lineup.Things may change, but they haven't changed yet.

umm yes there is. Mathews. spelled by tollbert. ocasion 3rd rb sproles (though they used tollbert even when down, likely due to bocking ability), goallines prolly split tollbert/mathews )though prolly more tollbert until mathews fully healthy).If this game gets out of hand (which it should) no way tollbert gets less than 10 carries. Could even be as high as 20 if the blow out comes early. Norv has already shown that he'll sit mathews (he wanted to come back in last game) if the game is out of hand and mathews is injured (which he already semi is). Why would you ruin your 1st round pick with the game out of hand with an already gimpy ankle?

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Tolbert will get a few carries here and there, but Mathews is the bell cow.

I wouldn't go this far. Mathews is the high draft pick that the coaching staff has a lot invested in. Tolbert is the backup RB who has impressed. Mathews will get a few more games to prove himself, and chances are he will succeed. But he has not done anything yet to be classified as a bell cow, and if he falters Tolbert will get an opportunity.

Mathews is the bell cow. Top 10 picks almost always handed the job unless they screw it up.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

on second thought, the OP may be onto something here. Whether or not Mathews starts, they are playing AZ (whose run d is poo) I could easily see the chargers blowing out the cards a la what the falcons did to them. With the game out of reach, and while 'killing the clock' etc I could see tollbert getting 10-15 touches in the second half and putting up decent stats. Also you have to think whether Mathews is back or not, the last thing they want is him getting gang tackled/slammed by 3-5 lbs/safeties/DT's as happens in the goalline sets, so those carries likely stay tollberts.

In one of my many bouts of over-thinking, I actually considered starting both Mathews & Tolbert...and this is in a league w/ no Flex. If Mendy hadn't ripped through Tampa so much last week, I'd be tempted to sit him against Balt this week...

It's so crazy it just might work... lol. Ravens are stout vs the run.

 

[moondog]

on second thought, the OP may be onto something here. Whether or not Mathews starts, they are playing AZ (whose run d is poo) I could easily see the chargers blowing out the cards a la what the falcons did to them. With the game out of reach, and while 'killing the clock' etc I could see tollbert getting 10-15 touches in the second half and putting up decent stats. Also you have to think whether Mathews is back or not, the last thing they want is him getting gang tackled/slammed by 3-5 lbs/safeties/DT's as happens in the goalline sets, so those carries likely stay tollberts.

In one of my many bouts of over-thinking, I actually considered starting both Mathews & Tolbert...and this is in a league w/ no Flex. If Mendy hadn't ripped through Tampa so much last week, I'd be tempted to sit him against Balt this week...

It's so crazy it just might work... lol. Ravens are stout vs the run.

No they are not. They rank 22nd allowing 127 rushing yds a game. Chicago is 1st allowing 39 rushing yds a game. Balt is currently 1st in total yds per game at 244 due to ranking first in passing yds allowed per game at 116 due to playing the Jets, Bengals, and Browns. Not exactly high powered passing attacks. I don't think this Balt defense is in the same league as some of their past defenses.No way would I bench Mendenhall.

 

[treat88]

I don't think there's enough tape on the SD run game yet to know how things will be split up in subpackage situations.I do think Mathews should be treated as if he is fully healthy.If you invested the pick to take him, this is definitely one of the weeks to have him in your lineup.Things may change, but they haven't changed yet.

umm yes there is. Mathews. spelled by tollbert. ocasion 3rd rb sproles (though they used tollbert even when down, likely due to bocking ability), goallines prolly split tollbert/mathews )though prolly more tollbert until mathews fully healthy).If this game gets out of hand (which it should) no way tollbert gets less than 10 carries. Could even be as high as 20 if the blow out comes early. Norv has already shown that he'll sit mathews (he wanted to come back in last game) if the game is out of hand and mathews is injured (which he already semi is). Why would you ruin your 1st round pick with the game out of hand with an already gimpy ankle?

Just a couple thoughts in response.First, Mathews has only been on the field for approximately 5 quarters of play this season. Personally, I can't base any definitive trends in the SD backs utilization off 5 quarters of play. Tolbert may have won himself a share of GL duties, but I'd also expect Mathews role to expand in that capacity as the season progresses, if Tolbert has even won the role currently which I still think is in question.Second, I don't think a route can be assumed in SD vs ARZ. On paper, maybe..in reality not so much. But, even if there is a blowout I think it is highly likely Mathews has a hand in getting the game into a blowout situation. If a blowout is in place then I do think it makes sense to let Tolbert grind the clock out. But to bet on Tolbert's production in a clock killing role over Mathews production in a blowout producing role is betting on long odds IMO.Third, I don't think Mathews has a gimpy ankle. I think he had one, the type and severity of which isn't known, and that it is healed as evidenced by consecutive days of practicing in full. I think his risk of reinjury to the ankle is no greater now than if he had not injured it originally. I base this on my experience as a physical therapist practicing in orthopedics and sports medicine with experience working with collegiate level athletes. Take it for what it is worth.

 

[SCT]

I don't think there's enough tape on the SD run game yet to know how things will be split up in subpackage situations.I do think Mathews should be treated as if he is fully healthy.If you invested the pick to take him, this is definitely one of the weeks to have him in your lineup.Things may change, but they haven't changed yet.

umm yes there is. Mathews. spelled by tollbert. ocasion 3rd rb sproles (though they used tollbert even when down, likely due to bocking ability), goallines prolly split tollbert/mathews )though prolly more tollbert until mathews fully healthy).If this game gets out of hand (which it should) no way tollbert gets less than 10 carries. Could even be as high as 20 if the blow out comes early. Norv has already shown that he'll sit mathews (he wanted to come back in last game) if the game is out of hand and mathews is injured (which he already semi is). Why would you ruin your 1st round pick with the game out of hand with an already gimpy ankle?

Just a couple thoughts in response.First, Mathews has only been on the field for approximately 5 quarters of play this season. Personally, I can't base any definitive trends in the SD backs utilization off 5 quarters of play. Tolbert may have won himself a share of GL duties, but I'd also expect Mathews role to expand in that capacity as the season progresses, if Tolbert has even won the role currently which I still think is in question.Second, I don't think a route can be assumed in SD vs ARZ. On paper, maybe..in reality not so much. But, even if there is a blowout I think it is highly likely Mathews has a hand in getting the game into a blowout situation. If a blowout is in place then I do think it makes sense to let Tolbert grind the clock out. But to bet on Tolbert's production in a clock killing role over Mathews production in a blowout producing role is betting on long odds IMO.Third, I don't think Mathews has a gimpy ankle. I think he had one, the type and severity of which isn't known, and that it is healed as evidenced by consecutive days of practicing in full. I think his risk of reinjury to the ankle is no greater now than if he had not injured it originally. I base this on my experience as a physical therapist practicing in orthopedics and sports medicine with experience working with collegiate level athletes. Take it for what it is worth.

Is there a function that serves as the opposite of "ignore"? Maybe "highlight"? That was well thought out and well put.

 

[SCT]

Haven't seen the practice report yet. If Matthews practices today you should start him unless you're in a TD heavy league.

Rotoworld news quote...

Ryan Mathews (ankle) practiced fully for a third straight day Friday and is listed as probable for Week 4.He'll start against the Cardinals. Mathews took all of the first-team reps during the practice week and should immediately be a candidate for 17-22 touches per game. He's not quite an RB1 as no lock to receive goal-line carries, but Mathews is a must-start in fantasy leagues in the favorable matchup.

My best FF sources has a players in the news category that said Mathews was taken of the injury report. Not even probable. Unlisted.

 

[Gr00vus]

Haven't seen the practice report yet. If Matthews practices today you should start him unless you're in a TD heavy league.

Rotoworld news quote...

Ryan Mathews (ankle) practiced fully for a third straight day Friday and is listed as probable for Week 4.

He'll start against the Cardinals. Mathews took all of the first-team reps during the practice week and should immediately be a candidate for 17-22 touches per game. He's not quite an RB1 as no lock to receive goal-line carries, but Mathews is a must-start in fantasy leagues in the favorable matchup.

More confirmation, well sort of:

NOTEBOOK

By Kevin Acee

Friday, October 1, 2010 at 4:12 p.m ...

With tailback Ryan Mathews’ ankle healthy, it is likely Mike Tolbert will return to the coverage teams.

This is the full extent of the SDUnionTrib's update of Matthews in their most recent team update. On its face it doesn't mean much. But the subtext is that there's not much to talk about with Matthews - so unless Norv is playing his cards very close to the vest, Matthews doesn't seem to be impeded and is back in his normal role (whatever that is).Start him if you got him.

 

[cmv5]

It seems as though Matthews is fine but Turner burned me so bad last year, I can't help but be a little worried. "Oh, it's nothing" (gets on the field) "Nope, I was wrong, it was something.

 

[Swanny]

Wasn't Mathews removed from the injury report? This is an easy call. Sure, Tolbert might vulture a TD and it's possible that Mathews reinjures the ankle during the game, but I don't see how you can start Tolbert over Mathews this week, assuming Mathews plays.

 

[packersfan]

Wasn't Mathews removed from the injury report? This is an easy call. Sure, Tolbert might vulture a TD and it's possible that Mathews reinjures the ankle during the game, but I don't see how you can start Tolbert over Mathews this week, assuming Mathews plays.

I agree but there are some leagues where Tolbert may be needed as a RB3. We start 3 RBs in my league and the combination of bye week hell and SJax likely out means I might have to start Tolbert as my RB3. God help me.

 

[cubbie5150]

Wasn't Mathews removed from the injury report? This is an easy call. Sure, Tolbert might vulture a TD and it's possible that Mathews reinjures the ankle during the game, but I don't see how you can start Tolbert over Mathews this week, assuming Mathews plays.

I agree but there are some leagues where Tolbert may be needed as a RB3. We start 3 RBs in my league and the combination of bye week hell and SJax likely out means I might have to start Tolbert as my RB3. God help me.

You'll be fine... I honestly think Tolbert will put up as many points as Mathews...that is, assuming the game gets into blow-out territory in the 2nd half.

 

[spm3485]

Would anyone start Ronnie Brown over Mathews this week? I'm having trouble with this decision and don't want to start another thread since we have a mathews one already.

Mathews is facing a terrible run d, but Brown has historically done well against NE, and I bet MIA runs it more this week. Not sure where to go here. Any thoughts?

 

[RenegadeGM]

Add me to the list of who was thinking of starting both this week. My other option is Best, and despite the reports getting better on him as the week has progressed his matchup is extremely tough and turf toe can severely hamper a player.

I could see a week where both Mathews and Tolbert do OK, each getting 8-10 points without either of them truly going off - Mathews via yardage, Tolbert via a goal line plunge.

Edit to add: I don't think this game is the lock to be a rout some are saying, however.

 

[cubbie5150]

Add me to the list of who was thinking of starting both this week. My other option is Best, and despite the reports getting better on him as the week has progressed his matchup is extremely tough and turf toe can severely hamper a player.

I could see a week where both Mathews and Tolbert do OK, each getting 8-10 points without either of them truly going off - Mathews via yardage, Tolbert via a goal line plunge.

Edit to add: I don't think this game is the lock to be a rout some are saying, however.

That's kind of my feeling now too... My opinion is if AZ keeps it somewhat close, Mathews is the play. If the Chargers run away w/ it, I can easily see Norv sitting Mathews & using Tolbert in the 2nd half. Like someone already said, in my case, sitting Mendy to start both parts of a RBBC is lunacy (I said it was merely a temporary case of over-thinking), so I'll be hoping our feeling is right that the game won't be the blow-out many are expecting.

 

[FallenHero32]

Would anyone start Ronnie Brown over Mathews this week? I'm having trouble with this decision and don't want to start another thread since we have a mathews one already.Mathews is facing a terrible run d, but Brown has historically done well against NE, and I bet MIA runs it more this week. Not sure where to go here. Any thoughts?

Ronnie's always been solid against NE, even when they stack the box to stop the wildcat runs. Personally, I'd start him over matthews until you can be sure Matthews isn't going to reaggravate his injury.

 

[eldiablo]

this was a crazy debate over something that seems pretty clear. mathews was drafted to be the #1 back in sd, and i dont think that has changed. sproles might get some action, but tolbert? isnt he the fb?

they have already been conservative with mathews. by most reports, he was ready to come back in the game after his injury, and was ready to play last week. the fact that he is not even on the injury report, leads me to believe he is fine. on top of that, i dont think tolbert has blown anyones doors off in his backups duties. mathews will start and handle most of the running for sd, including "goalline" work, and mop up work. he has only played a few quarters in his career, i think they are going to try to get him some game carries and some experience/confidence running the ball. if that wasnt enough reasons, he is about 100 times the rb that tolbert is.

 

[The Jerk]

Would anyone start Ronnie Brown over Mathews this week? I'm having trouble with this decision and don't want to start another thread since we have a mathews one already.

Mathews is facing a terrible run d, but Brown has historically done well against NE, and I bet MIA runs it more this week. Not sure where to go here. Any thoughts?

Ronnie's always been solid against NE

, even when they stack the box to stop the wildcat runs. Personally, I'd start him over matthews until you can be sure Matthews isn't going to reaggravate his injury.

The game logs don't really support this assertion. Brown had the one HUGE game in 2008, but his other six games have been mediocre at best.Here are the seven game logs: (rushing, receiving)

2005 Week 10: 14-64, 4-28

2005 Week 17: 8-21, 2-13

2006 Week 5: 17-39-1, 1-(-3)

2007 Week 7: 17-76, 5-33

2008 Week 3: 17-113-4, 1-9

2008 Week 12: 10-37, 1-10

2009 Week 9: 15-48, 2-16

The 2008 Week 3 game clearly stands as the exception, and it's the only game Brown both scored a TD and exceeded 100 combined yards.

In the other six games, Brown scored a TD once and exceeded 100 combined yards once.

Averages: 14-57 rushing, 2-15 receiving, 5 total TDs in 7 games.

These averages are solid, but the special circumstances of the full unveiling of the wildcat make it hard to discount.

Without the 2008 Week 3 game, the averages would be roughly 13.5-47.5, 2.5-16 with 1 TD in six games.

If I'm deciding between Brown and Mathews, the potential coddling/ankle reinjury of Mathews would be the main reason I might start Brown. I also believe more total points will be scored in the NE-MIA game, although the oddsmakers barely agree, so that's probably best left out. But Brown's history against NE is not as strong as most people believe.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

HAS and the "reagg" risk.

As other posters have said, both low and high ankle sprains have varying degrees of severity.

What is much more important and different from the Michael Turner of 2009 situation is that Mathews was deemed healthy enough to participate in practice without restrictions all week long. This is a complete "green light" from a health standpoint. Now, if you want to talk about HAS and "yellow" (or maybe even "red") lights you can take a look at Andre Johnson, especially if he plays this week. That is "reagg" or "never fully heal" situation for sure.

 

[Football Critic]

Would anyone start Ronnie Brown over Mathews this week? I'm having trouble with this decision and don't want to start another thread since we have a mathews one already.Mathews is facing a terrible run d, but Brown has historically done well against NE, and I bet MIA runs it more this week. Not sure where to go here. Any thoughts?

Go to the AC for team advice, this thread is for Mathews vs. Tolbert pointsNo one cares about your teams, we are discussing fantasy impact in the Charger backfield.

 

[Football Critic]

this was a crazy debate over something that seems pretty clear. mathews was drafted to be the #1 back in sd, and i dont think that has changed. sproles might get some action, but tolbert? isnt he the fb? they have already been conservative with mathews. by most reports, he was ready to come back in the game after his injury, and was ready to play last week. the fact that he is not even on the injury report, leads me to believe he is fine. on top of that, i dont think tolbert has blown anyones doors off in his backups duties. mathews will start and handle most of the running for sd, including "goalline" work, and mop up work. he has only played a few quarters in his career, i think they are going to try to get him some game carries and some experience/confidence running the ball. if that wasnt enough reasons, he is about 100 times the rb that tolbert is.

Great points.... but to say the debate is crazy, when we pointed out so many reasons why this would be a debate....is crazy.

 

[treat88]

this was a crazy debate over something that seems pretty clear. mathews was drafted to be the #1 back in sd, and i dont think that has changed. sproles might get some action, but tolbert? isnt he the fb?

they have already been conservative with mathews. by most reports, he was ready to come back in the game after his injury, and was ready to play last week. the fact that he is not even on the injury report, leads me to believe he is fine. on top of that, i dont think tolbert has blown anyones doors off in his backups duties. mathews will start and handle most of the running for sd, including "goalline" work, and mop up work. he has only played a few quarters in his career, i think they are going to try to get him some game carries and some experience/confidence running the ball. if that wasnt enough reasons, he is about 100 times the rb that tolbert is.

To answer the bolded part...no.He has been very clearly used as a HB since camp opened. SD has shown some looks with both Tolbert and Mathews lined up in the backfield together, but his role this season has never been that of a FB.

Honestly Tolbert has shown me quite a bit more than I expected from his ball skills. He's got some Michael Turner to him.

He's a legitimate talent as a pure RB.

That said, as long as Mathews is healthy, I don't see Tolbert as a threat to his carries except in times when game context may dictate that any rational team subs out it's RB1.

 

[SCT]

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Status Report

OUT

LB Larry English (foot)

DOUBTFUL

LB Shawne Merriman (calf), S Darrell Stuckey (hamstring), G Louis Vasquez (knee)

PROBABLE

G Kris Dielman (illness), RB Ryan Mathews (elbow), LB Brandon Siler (foot)

:X

 

[Babu Bhatt2]

this was a crazy debate over something that seems pretty clear. mathews was drafted to be the #1 back in sd, and i dont think that has changed. sproles might get some action, but tolbert? isnt he the fb? they have already been conservative with mathews. by most reports, he was ready to come back in the game after his injury, and was ready to play last week. the fact that he is not even on the injury report, leads me to believe he is fine. on top of that, i dont think tolbert has blown anyones doors off in his backups duties. mathews will start and handle most of the running for sd, including "goalline" work, and mop up work. he has only played a few quarters in his career, i think they are going to try to get him some game carries and some experience/confidence running the ball. if that wasnt enough reasons, he is about 100 times the rb that tolbert is.

Crazy debate?

 

[Ivanhoe]

why the hell did i not see any news about a elbow injury for mathews??

He is wearing lot of padding on his elbow too...

Fire all news reporters.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Mathews is the clear #1 here