According to Fox Sports insider Mike Garafolo, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to sign San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews. The former first-round pick will likely receive the bulk of the carries in replacement of the recently traded LeSean McCoy.
Mathews is coming off an injury-shortened season that resulted in career-low production. He was unavailable for 10 games after sustaining an MCL sprain, ending the year with 330 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
When healthy, the 6’0″, 220-pounder can be a dangerous tool in the backfield. During 2013—his lone 16-game campaign—Mathews tallied 285 carries, 1,255 yards and six touchdowns.
A first-round pick out of Fresno State in 2010, he’s amassed 4,061 rushing yards and 23 scores along with 146 receptions for 1,110 yards during five NFL seasons.
However, the list of career injuries is a serious concern, since Mathews has missed action due to clavicle, knee, calf, ankle and a pair of concussions.
It will be interesting to see how Mathews fits overall. His injury history coupled with Chip Kelly’s use of this position could see the former Fresno State star receive less carries than anticipated.
Then again, Mathews frame and running style suggests that he should be able to shoulder the load in Philadelphia.
Photo: USA Today