Unlike last week, San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews got through Thursday's practice no worse for wear and followed it up with participation in Friday's practice. And since Mathews practiced for the second straight day, you should expect more carries coming to him Sunday against the St. Louis Rams. Mathews, who has been working through an ankle sprain since week two, enters this game with two consecutive nine-carry appearances.

Fantasy Analysis:

Norv Turner said Thursday that he wants to push Mathews once he's on the field. He wants him to get more carries; he just needs to make sure he can handle the rigors of practice first. Last week, Thursday's practice was too much for the rookie. Mathews had to miss Friday's session and that caused him to play second fiddle to Mike Tolbert again. So is this week going to be different? I think so -- I know I said the same thing heading into week five. I think the Chargers' coaches have noticed Mathews' back-to-back practices and I think we see his carry count go up from nine to about 15 or so against the Rams. Tolbert will still get his touches between the 20s and may vulture a goal-line chance or two. But Mathews has mostly been the better running back when playing. The better running back will finally receive the better portion of the carries Sunday. Mathews is a good RB2 in 12-teamers.