National Football League

Chargers RB Mathews has sprained MCL in right knee

Published Sep. 15, 2014 5:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers say running back Ryan Mathews has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Coach Mike McCoy won't say how much time Mathews is expected to miss, other than "he'll be out for a little bit of time."

McCoy says every player heals differently and "I don't want to put a timetable on anything."

Mathews was taken off the field on a cart Sunday after hurting his knee trying to recover his own fumble in the fourth quarter of a 30-21 victory against the Seattle Seahawks.

Mathews is in the final year of his contract. Last year was the first time he played all 16 regular-season games. He gained a career-high 1,255 yards.

The Chargers (1-1) have Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown and rookie Branden Oliver at running back.