Chargers RB Ryan Mathews not practicing Wednesday

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews isn't practicing Wednesday, according to San Diego Union-Tribute beat writer Michael Gehlken. Mathews has been dealing with an ankle, which forced him to wear a protective boot and miss two practices last week.

Not that it hurt him, considering he rushed 24 times for a career-high 144 yards rushing against the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

"What a gritty performance by Ryan — oh my gosh," safety Eric Weddle said via SDUT. "He couldn't walk all week, and he was out there playing for us. You can't say enough good words about Ryan and what he does, along with our offensive line."

Mathews sitting on Wednesday appears to be rest. Nothing serious and he's expected to play.

Ryan Mathews (ankle) not practicing today. Likely rest. Didn't practice last Wednesday or Thursday. Rushed for career-high 144 yards Sunday.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) January 1, 2014

Mathews rushed for 61 yards on 14 carries in week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He added another 31 yards receiving on five receptions for 92 yards from scrimmage.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal also missed practice on Wednesday, but he's sitting for most practices since suffering a toe injury earlier this year.