Mike Tolbert has been the San Diego Chargers' best running back for the past month and a very valuable piece in many fantasy lineups. But one critical factor may slow his production: the return of Ryan Mathews . While Tolbert was held out of Wednesday's practice as a "precautionary" move to rest his bruised right hand, Mathews was on the field. Mathews, who hasn't played since Nov. 7, participated in practice for the first time in more than a month and head coach Norv Turner is hopeful that he can play Sunday against the Raiders, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Turner said Mathews must get some carries if he's able to play. "If Tolbert is healthy and going, he's going to get the ball," Turner said. "But Ryan has got to be able to go in too." Tolbert didn't sound worried about his injury Wednesday. He said his wrapped hand was "feeling good" and added, "I'm going to play."

Fantasy Analysis:

Even if Mathews is active against the Raiders, there is no way I'm putting him in my lineup unless I am pitifully desperate. He's been slowed by nagging injuries since week two, yet he's played in most of the games this season and hasn't scored more than 12 fantasy points in any week. I want him to prove that he's actually 100 percent before I start him. Regardless, Tolbert remains the better fantasy play here. He is a great goal-line back and is coming off back-to-back 100-yard games. Don't worry about the hand, he'll be fine and is a RB2 this week. Mathews will steal some of his work, but Tolbert is playing too well right now for the Chargers not to give him at least 15-20 touches.