Ryan Mathews is learning whatever he can in his rookie season, and one of those lessons could keep him sidelined Monday night.
On Nov. 7, the Chargers running back aggravated a right high ankle sprain. He first sustained the injury on Sept. 19 against the Jaguars but missed only one game.
Looking back, that was a mistake.
“My main thing is I should have given it a little more time, but that's lessons learned,” Mathews said. “I'm a rookie, and I've gotta learn. Now my main thing now is just to get healthy."
The Chargers are being extra careful with Mathews to ensure they have their prized rookie for the stretch run.
Despite being limited, Mathews has dazzled at times, flashing the total package of ability that prompted the team to trade up and select him 12th overall in April's draft.
Mathews missed practice again on Saturday morning and hasn't practiced in two weeks. Officially, he is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Broncos.
“Just trying to get my body ready for this last stretch. That's what it is,” Mathews said. “I want to make a name for myself. I want to help this team win. Me sitting out, not practicing isn't going to help this team win, so my main priority is to get back on the practice field.”
Mathews is doing his part.
He arrives at the Chargers practice facility at 6:30 a.m. and stays anywhere from 11 to 12 hours. He's watched how other players prepare and found what works for him.
Quarterback Philip Rivers, for example, watches most of his game film at home. Mathews now does the same.
“Instead of playing video games for four hours, take an hour and a half out and watch that film,” Mathews said. “Little things like that. ... Go out and catch balls on the JUGS machine like I was doing (in training camp). There's always something I can do to better myself.”
For now, that likely means sitting out.
