San Diego Chargers: Ronnie Brown Could Be 20-Carry Back in Ryan Mathews' Absence

By Alek Frost
Senior Writer 

It’s been a year or two since Ronnie Brown was the featured back of an NFL offense, but that might soon change in San Diego.

According to U-T San Diego, head coach Norv Turner would prefer to have one back receive the majority of the carries in his offense, but in Ryan Matthews‘ absence, a back has yet to emerge.

“I’d like to think that someone will emerge that we’ll feel good enough about someone where they can get 20 carries,” Turner said. “And then the other guys feed off of that. … They’re all different guys, so get a plan to use their strengths.”

While he hasn’t decided on who that back will be, among the trio of Brown, Le’Ron McClain and Curtis Brinkley, Turner appears to be leaning towards Brown who he sees as a “complete” player.

“Yeah,” Turner said with a smile. “He could be the guy.”

Brown struggled last season in Philadelphia, rushing for 136 yards on 42 carries and a touchdown, on a mediocre 3.2 yards per carry. But Brown has proven to be a productive back when given a substanial amount of carries in the past, and could shoulder the load even after Matthews makes his way back onto the field.

The Chargers are unlikely to push Matthews too hard when he returns; which could mean an extended stay at the top of the depth chart for Brown.

Follow Alek on Twitter: @Alek_Frost

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