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SAN DIEGO – Ryan Mathews made his NFL preseason debut last week, offering an initial glimpse into his potential as the starting running back.

Saturday’s game against Dallas offered the first snapshot of Mathews in combination with Darren Sproles. The shifty back missed the preseason opener with a minor shoulder injury.

The duo helped the Chargers romp downfield during their initial foray. Mathews advanced between the tackles, freed by Nick Hardwick and Kris Dielman, and Sproles utilized a downfield block by Louis Vasquez that helped spring a 24-yard screen pass.

“As an offensive line, we all have a goal of pushing people back and get that run game going, and tonight we showed that we’re able to do that,” Jeromey Clary said.

Mathews rushed 12 times for 53 yards and now has 103 yards during the first two preseason games at 4.9 yards per carry. Sproles caught three passes for 38 yards.

“We’re going to get better,” said Sproles, crediting the line for his screen play. “As the preseason goes on, we’re going to be good together.”

Fullback Mike Tolbert contributed one of the more exciting plays out of the backfield, wiggling from a defender at the line of scrimmage and hurdling another downfield for an 11-yard gain on a screen pass. Tolbert, Mathews and Sproles combined for 162 yards of total offense as the Chargers wracked up 33:55 of total time of possession.

“Ryan is our lead guy and he was impressive. He was good last week and he was better this week,” said Turner, who also complimented Sproles. “Tolbert gives us that pounder. I believe between the three of them we’re going to get a real good mix.”

The Chargers have converted most of their short-yardage situations, including a pair of first downs by Jacob Hester and three touchdowns inside the 5.

Marcus Mason became the third player to carry the ball into the end zone this preseason with a 4-yard run in the third quarter that gave San Diego a 14-7 lead.

“Everybody did what they were supposed to do and all I had to do is read it and get the ball in,” Mason said. “That’s our goal is to show that we can run the ball, especially down at the goal line. We’re making it a point to do that.”

“I’m still learning, I really am,” said Mathews, who noted he’s still working on pass protection and in utilizing his blockers downfield on screen passes. “I made some good reads and my linemen were doing a great job of moving people around. They are doing as much as they can to help me. I’m still learning so it must be hard for them.”