Major injuries to key players during Sunday’s games:

* The season ended for San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews, according to U-T San Diego. He went out in the first quarter after breaking his left clavicle — four months after breaking his right clavicle.

“I just hate it for him,” fullback Le’Ron McClain said. “Just him bouncing back the way he did after the first one. Going into the game, he felt good today. I could see a different look in his eyes today. We were giving the ball a few times, seeing what he could do. He made a few plays, a few great runs. It sucks to come down with an injury like that.”

* The Baltimore Sun reported that Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torry Smith suffered a concussion against the Denver Broncos when his head bounced on the turf after making a reception.

* His teammate, linebacker Terrell Suggs, played through a biceps injury that nearly  ended his season, but he was in obvious pain. Also,  backup running back Bernard Pierce also left with a concussion.

* Washington Redskins right tackle Tyler Polumbus suffered a concussion, but his prognosis was unclear, according to the Washington Post.

* And the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison sprained the AC joint in a shoulder during the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams.

– Bill Bradley, contributing editor