Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has sprained MCL

Sept. 14, 2014 3:38 PM PT

Few topics can quiet a celebratory locker room.

On Sunday, Ryan Mathews was one.

The Chargers running back was carted off the field with a right knee injury. The early prognosis is he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament, a source said following a 30-21 win over Seattle. It is unclear how much time he will miss. Coach Mike McCoy said following the game that he’d be further examined.

The degree of an MCL sprain, which by definition is a tear, can range between first, second and third. If an MCL tear alone proves to be the final assessment, Mathews could miss anywhere from minimal time to eight weeks.

The injury came early in the fourth quarter.

A handoff exchange between Mathews and quarterback Philip Rivers was fumbled. It’s not known if Mathews was injured prior to the fumble or, as video evidence seemed to show, when a teammate incidentally landed on his leg while recovering the loose ball.

Mathews was on the field about five minutes.

Athletic trainers lifted him onto the cart, Mathews not putting any weight on his right leg. Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead finished the game at running back.

“I have the utmost respect for him,” Brown said. “I’m praying that it’s nothing major. He’s just one of the toughest individuals that I’ve ever been around. I’m praying that it’s something minor and he’s out there with us next week.”

“It’s never good to see him go down,” Woodhead said. “He’s one of my best buddies. ... All he does is work. He doesn’t complain. He doesn’t say much but an unbelievable competitor and a great teammate.”

Mathews rushed for a career-high 1,255 yards last season in 16 games.

This is the final year of his rookie contract.

San Diego Chargers 30, Seattle Seahawks, 21

9/14/2014 at Qualcomm Stadium

Source: Ryan Mathews has sprained MCL

San Diego Chargers 30, Seattle Seahawks, 21

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