Chargers RB Ryan Mathews To Miss 1st Preseason Game

CBSsports
Josh Katzowitz

SAN DIEGO - I'm pretty sure it's too early to call Chargers RB Ryan Mathews a bust. Despite the fact he was a first-round pick in 2010, he didn't have a great rookie season (though I wouldn't exactly call it disastrous, either).

He only managed 158 carries for 678 yards -- he missed five games because of a high ankle sprain -- but when he was playing, Mathews looked solid (albeit, he left open the door for Mike Tolbert to impress some people).

This season hasn't gone well so far either.

Mathews has been hobbled by a slightly strained muscle in his upper thigh, and the San Diego Union Tribune writes that Mathews will miss Thursday's preseason opener after having not participated in four practices this training camp.

"In the early preseason games, we always err on the side of caution," Norv Turner said.

Turner also expressed confidence that Mathews will be fine. But still, it makes you wonder about Mathews' durability.