The Facts: Early in training camp, Mathews isn’t being featured as San Diego’s bell-cow rusher like under Turner. He has received snaps with the first- and second-team units as new HC Mike McCoy uses Mathews in rotation with newcomer Danny Woodhead (New England) and the re-signed Ronnie Brown. “I’ve been raised with (Denver head coach) John Fox in this league,” said McCoy, referring to his mentor with the Broncos and Carolina Panthers. “We always played with a couple of backs. It doesn’t matter who’s in there. Keep them fresh. That’s the big thing. Play the hot hand while you roll. If you’ve got to tap out for a play or two, we’ll put the next guy in.”

Diehards Line:As FOXSports.com's Alex Marvez reminded readers, former HC Norv Turner immediately placed the heat on Mathews by saying he expected the former Fresno State standout to tally 250 carries and 40 receptions as a rookie. Mathews not only fell short of that goal but also missed four games that season because of an injury. Those physical ailments were a harbinger of what was to come. Although he enjoyed a more productive 2011 campaign with 1,091 rushing yards and 50 catches, Mathews slumped last season after breaking his collarbone twice. And while he seems to be willing to share the workload, Mathews wants in more often than out. According to Marvez, Mathews reported to training camp lighter than in the past and with an upbeat attitude. “I just want to have fun with it,” Mathews said. “What I wanted to do this year was just get back to the basics. Do what I can to help my team win. ...” Step one is avoiding injury. After that, playing at the level expected when he was drafted in the first round of the 2010 draft would go far in keeping him on the field.