Los Angeles Chargers might be losing some offensive firepower next weekend after star running back Austin Ekeler suffered an ankle injury last Sunday. Chargers starting RB Austin Ekeler is reportedly dealing with a tweaked ankle following their loss against the Miami Dolphins during the weekend. When is the veteran returning?
#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury suffered during Sunday's game vs. Miami, per HC Brandon Staley. His status for practice this week is unclear as of now. pic.twitter.com/BpHjXlPJVj
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2023
Despite Ekeler’s fantastic performance of rushing a total of 164 yards (running 117 yards and posting four receptions for 46 yards) and scoring one touchdown, the Chargers still bowed down to the Dolphins in a very close game (36-34). Ekeler also turned heads in the SoFi stadium during the game after his 55-yard run late in the first quarter. Both teams held their ground as the lead went back and forth.
Austin Ekeler’s productive season-opener resulted in a high-scoring outing, but the Chargers still came up short in their first game of the 2023 NFL season. The 28-year-old finished the game on Sunday, and the ankle injury was only known recently.
Austin Ekeler scoring touchdowns like we never left
📺: #MIAvsLAC on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/HZk1u5QAvO— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
When is Austin Ekeler returning to the field?
Right now, Austin Ekeler is questionable for their matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. According to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, they are uncertain about Ekeler’s ability even to join practice this week. As of this writing, the veteran running back’s possible return is yet to be determined. Although, we are led to believe that the tenacious Ekeler will be able to return to the field very soon. It’s worth noting that the star running back only missed a single game in the last two seasons.
Chargers’ HC Brandon Staley said RB Austin Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury, and his status for practice this week is uncertain.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2023
With the Chargers losing their starting RB, the role is now well in the hands of the 2020 4th-round pick, Joshua Kelley. The former UCLA standout was also very valuable during the Chargers and Dolphins contest on Sunday. Kelley, 25, did an outstanding job, especially in the second half. After the game, Kelley proved to be a valuable backup to Ekeler after running 91 yards and scoring a touchdown in the 4th quarter. If Ekeler continues to sit out, Joshua Kelley will be the team’s best RB. The Chargers will face the Titans next week, September 18, at the Nissan Stadium.
Joshua Kelley finds the end zone for the Chargers to take the lead in the 4th quarter 😤 pic.twitter.com/bUuphQBOYP
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 10, 2023
The Los Angeles Chargers found a diamond in the rough by signing the undrafted running back Austin Ekeler
In 2017, Nebraska native Austin Ekeler committed to the NFL draft after playing for Western Colorado University from 2013 to 2016. Although he led his college team with 1,049 rushing yards, Ekeler would not hear his name get called in the draft room. Fortunately, his talents weren’t overlooked after the Los Angeles Chargers signed him for a three-year, $1.66 Million contract. Turns out, it was an excellent pickup for the Chargers.
Austin Ekeler is running like a man possessed today ⚡️pic.twitter.com/339YIFG09K
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 10, 2023
In the past years, Ekeler remains one of the best fantasy running backs in the league, probably within the top 5. With Ekeler’s 2023 NFL season opener, it definitely makes sense. Who knows, maybe the Chargers may finally win the championship again after 60 years.
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