RB Mathews expected to play Sunday

The Chargers' highly touted rookie running-back Ryan Mathews is expected to play Sunday. Mathews has been sidelined for the past several weeks with an ankle injury, but he is expected to return to action against the St. Louis Rams.

Mathews did not fully participate in practice early this week, or he was very limited. He was, however, able to participate in practice later on in the week. Chargers' head-coach Norv Turner suggested that Mathews will be limited this week, and will not get the majority of the snaps. The primary running-back for the Chargers this week will be Mike Tolbert. Tolbert has been the Chargers' starting running-back ever since Mathews was sidelined. 

A banged up Mathews might be a blessing in disguise for the Rams' defense. If Mathews is in-fact slowed down by the injury, then it might serve as an advantage to St. Louis, as oppose to facing Tolbert for an entire game. Tolbert has 292 yards and 4 TD on the season; he is also averaging 4.6 yards per carry.