Ryan Mathews Breaks Clavicle, Out 4-6 Weeks

The offseason is all about hype and there may not be a more hyped player heading into the 2012 season than Chargers running back Ryan Mathews.

Some might say he is over-hyped and that may be partially accurate but I think Mathews has the goods to deliver. He is clearly a talented back and 2012 could be a big year for him… if he can stay on the field.

Mathews hit a snag last night when he broke his clavicle in a preseason game. He will have surgery today and is expected to be out four to six weeks. That would put his potential return somewhere in the range of September 7th-21.

If Mathews heals quickly, there is a slim chance he could play in the season opener on September 10th. The Bolts play the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football. That would be 31 full days after his procedure.

The Chargers will likely be careful about rushing Mathews back. I’d wager he will return somewhere in the 5-6 week range. The Chargers open the season against the Raiders in Oakland before returning home to face the Titans and Falcons. Mathews will likely be back before the Chargers head to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs in Week 4, though if the healing takes the full six weeks it could be his first game back.

What do you think Addicts? Will the loss of Matthews lead to losses for the Chargers early in the season?