AP

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews got off to a slow start last year when he failed to pass a conditioning test.

This year, there’s another early obstacle to overcome.

According to Debbi Baker of U-T San Diego, Mathews suffered “minor injuries,” in a two-vehicle collision.

According to the California Highway Patrol report, Mathews was entering Interstate 8 when he lost control of his BMW and hit another vehicle. He was taken to a hospital after complaining of pain. The CHP said speed was a factor in the accident, but no one in the other car was injured.

Mathews was poised to have a breakout year, after finishing with 1,091 yards in 14 games last year. With Mike Tolbert gone to the Panthers, he was expecting a heavier workload, and said earlier this month he was “about to blow it away.”

Hopefully, he recovers in time to do so, and doesn’t throw away a golden opportunity.