Raiders won't face Ryan Mathews in season opener

In the Chargers preseason opener Thursday, Ryan Mathews took one handoff and took a seat. He will be in that seat for 4-6 weeks with a broken clavicle which means he will not be in the Chargers lineup in week one when the Chargers face the Raiders.

Without Mathews, the Chargers will either lean on newly acquired free agents Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle or look to pick up yet another free agent running back.

Mathews was one of the Chargers best offensive weapons last season, running for over 1000 yards. But health issues have plagued Mathews since college and it appeared it wouldn't be long before he was injured again. Although, no one could have predicted it would happen the first time he touched the ball.

Mathews was to be the Chargers primary starter and until he returns, they will likely go with running back by committee. This Charger team is far more formidable in the passing game so they will not suffer too much for the loss. But it is indeed a loss. Brown may not have anything left and Battle is more of a complimentary back than a feature back.