Donald Brown, Danny Woodhead fantasy options while Ryan Mathews is out

Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead will be two names to consider when you put in your waiver requests for your fantasy league this week.

San Diego Chargers starting running back Ryan Mathews was carted off the field with a knee injury during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. UT San Diego says the initial prognosis is that Mathews has a sprained MCL in his right knee, though there is no timetable for how long he will be out.

While Mathews recovers, Brown and Woodhead will split the carries for San Diego’s offense.

Brown, a former first-round pick by the Colts, had 21 yards on seven carries and 3 catches for 10 yards against Seattle. Woodhead, who is in his second season with the Chargers, rushed for 32 yards on 8 carries and caught 4 passes for 28 yards.

We’re expecting Brown to assume a similar role to what Mathews had in the Chargers’ offense as a featured back. Woodhead will probably maintain his role as a receiving option on passing downs and occasional rusher.