"It does not appear that Ryan Mathews' foot soreness will keep him out of Sunday's game. But he was forced to miss practice again Thursday.

While that has been an issue through his first year-plus in the NFL, Mathews is making sure to get his work in meetings and walk-throughs.

"I've got a lot of help," Mathews said, "Jacob (Hester), Mike (Tolbert), Phil (Rivers), they're helping me as much as they can."

Mathews remaining up to speed is significant.

Yes, he is running lower, harder and faster this season. Moreover, though, what's been happening is that he's running on confidence, fueled by practice.

"Practice hard, play hard," Mathews said. "I've been getting a lot of compliments from the coaches.""