San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews returned to practice Monday, but he has not yet been cleared for contact, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
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Mathews participated in individual drills Monday, his first practice since breaking his clavicle Aug. 9. The injury came on Mathews' first carry of the preseason.
Mathews proclaimed last week that he was "ahead of schedule" in his recovery from surgery and planned to beat the anticipated four-to-six week recovery time by playing in the Chargers' season opener against the Oakland Raiders next Monday night
Practicing on Monday is a good step, it does not appear as though Mathews will be ready for the Raiders game if he is not yet cleared for contact.
If Mathews is out, veteran Ronnie Brown will get the start, with Jackie Battle, LeRon McClain and Curtis Brinkley also getting carries.
Follow Brian McIntyre on Twitter @brian_mcintyre.