SAN DIEGO -- Chargers running back Ryan Mathews practiced Friday, taking part for the first time since he suffered a sprained MCL in his knee in a Week 2 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
"Being able to run again is encouraging," Mathews told the Associated Press. "That's a big step. I'm very encouraged. The trainers are doing a great job and I'm just following their plan. Every time they put me through something I'm just trying to do my best."
Mathews was a limited participant but has been ruled out for Sunday's contest on the road against the Miami Dolphins. He's hopeful to play against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 16 after San Diego's bye week.
"It's great to have him out there," Chargers coach Mike McCoy said about Mathews. "He's worked extremely hard, fighting through a tough injury early on. He's done everything he can. So he's getting close. He's taking it one day at a time. And it's great to have him run around out there."