AP

For the last two weeks, Chargers running back Ryan Mathews skipped a few days of practice to rest a sore ankle, but was able to play.

When he wasn’t able to finish yesterday’s win over the Bengals, it raised more questions about his condition.

“My mindset is I’m playing,” Mathews said, via Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. “We keep fighting. Coach [Mike] McCoy says it all the time. It’s the next man up. We’re all ready.”

The Chargers combined to run 40 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Even veteran Ronnie Brown got in on the act, with the game-clinching 58-yard touchdown late, as Mathews watched from the sidelines.

They clearly missed their lead back, failing to convert a pair of short-yardage runs in the fourth quarter, with Brown and Le’Ron McClain not getting it done.

Getting Mathews healthy again before next weekend will be crucial, as the Chargers’ keep-away strategy needs his ability, and that strategy will be even more important against Peyton Manning and the Broncos.