The good news for Chargers fans was that after missing Sunday’s home opener, 
The even better news is that he wasn’t limited in any capacity and practiced fully.
“I feel great, healthy and strong,” the Pro Bowl running back said following the day’s session. “They know what I can do and I’m ready. But it’s a long season, so we are going to be smart about what we do. We’re taking it day-by-day and we’ll see if I’m ready to go on Saturday.”
Right now, all signs are pointing in that direction.
“(Ryan) did what he needed to do today,” said head coach Norv Turner. “Tomorrow we practice in pads, and he’s making normal progress. We have until Sunday to make a decision. He will practice in pads tomorrow and will again be full participation…We’re doing everything we need to do to get him ready.”
Mathews’ teammates are certainly excited for their stud running back to return to the fold. That includes Le’Ron McClain, the physical fullback who signed with the Chargers this offseason but has yet to have the chance to play with the young star.
“You don’t want to have an injury at all, but I’m glad he got it out of the way now,” he said. “I told him this is just a small hurdle and he’ll get over it. When he gets healthy, we’re still going for that rushing title. Everything on the up and up, I’m looking forward to getting him back here.”
The same can be said for the thousands of fans who wear number 24 jerseys to the stadium each week. If all goes according to plan, his jersey won’t just be in the stands this Sunday either, but on the field as well as Mathews hopes to return vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
