Chargers RB Austin Ekeler ran for just 45 yards on 14 carries (3.2 per rush) in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs. He also added just 1 reception for 1 yard among 2 targets. Ekeler's playing time (62%) fell in line with his previous game, and his rushing actually proved more efficient. Ekeler averaged just 1.9 yards per carry in the Week 6 loss to the Cowboys. The Chiefs have played well on defense overall this season, ranking ninth in total DVOA entering the week. But they also ranked just 21st against the run. We're still betting on Ekeler going forward and especially expect much more from his receiving. But we'll be watching closely for any signs we need to adjust those expectations. A Week 8 matchup with a weak Bears defense looks like a potential blowup spot -- or possibly a signal to really worry about Ekeler if he doesn't deliver.
And the crowd goes mild! Chargers RB Austin Ekeler logged 62 total yards in his return from injury in Week 6 vs. the Cowboys. The veteran was fairly effective as a receiver in the contest (4 catches, 35 yards) but was unable to get anything going on the ground. 14 carries for 27 rushing yards isn’t the big return that fantasy managers had hoped for. Ekeler’s 10.1 PPR points rank as 25th-best at the RB position this week. Hopefully, we’ll see a better showing from him in Week 7 vs. the Chiefs.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) put in a full week of practice and isn't listed on the final Week 6 injury report. He'll be back for Monday night's game vs. the Cowboys. Ekeler is five weeks removed from his high-ankle sprain, so he should be relatively close to 100%.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) was a full-go in Thursday's practice. It's confirmation that he's set to return for Monday night's game vs. the Cowboys. We'll see how Ekeler looks coming off the high-ankle sprain, but he belongs locked into season-long starting lineups.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) said Tuesday that he expects to play in Week 6. Los Angeles gets a Week 5 bye and then plays the Cowboys on Monday night of Week 6, so Ekeler even gets an extra day to get ready for that one. We'll track his practice participation next week.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Raiders. He put in three limited practices this week and seems to be trending toward a return after Los Angeles’ Week 5 bye. Joshua Kelley gets another crack at lead duties today.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game vs. the Raiders. He got back on the practice field this week, but it looks like he'll be held out one more game, with the Chargers getting a Week 5 bye. Barring a setback, Ekeler should return for Week 6. Joshua Kelley gets another game as Los Angeles' lead back this weekend but is tough to trust as more than a RB3 after disappointing outings the last two weeks.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) remained limited in Thursday's practice. We'll see what he does on Friday and how he's listed on the final injury report for this weekend's game vs. the Raiders.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice -- his first official participation since going down in Week 1. Ekeler told NFL Network's Bridget Condon that he hasn't tried to push that injured ankle to 100% yet but if he can in practice this week then he wants to play vs. the Raiders on Sunday. "It's one of those things where you kind of progress with how fast it allows you to," Ekeler added. "You saw me back on the field today so mine's obviously in a good spot." We'll keep a close eye on his progress over the next few days. The Chargers have an upcoming Week 5 bye, but Ekeler said that won't impact whether he plays this weekend.
Chargers WR Mike Williams has been diagnosed with a torn left ACL and will miss the rest of the 2023 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The timing of the injury at least gives Williams a good chance to be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign. He turns 29 in about a week and is officially signed with the Chargers for next season. But his contract currently carries a $32.5 million cap hit. Williams will need to restructure that deal to remain with the team. His absence for the rest of this season leaves behind big opportunity. Williams averaged 8.7 targets on a 21.3% share through three games. WR Josh Palmer is the better immediate bet for production with Williams out. But first-round rookie WR Quentin Johnston is the higher-upside longer-term bet. WR Keenan Allen, RB Austin Ekeler (once healthy), and TE Gerald Everett should also see a bit more volume without Williams.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero hears that Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is "hopeful" to return for Week 4. "But with a Week 5 bye looming, they could opt for more rest," Pelissero adds. We'll track Ekeler's progress this coming week.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings. He didn’t practice all week, so it’s possible that he misses more time beyond Week 3. Joshua Kelley will again serve as the Chargers’ lead back on Sunday after playing 79% of the offensive snaps last week. Kelley is a nice RB2 play in a likely shootout.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. HC Brandon Staley said earlier this week that there's no timetable for Ekeler's return. Fantasy owners should not be banking on Ekeler playing in this weekend's game vs. the Vikings. That'd again leave Joshua Kelley as the Chargers' lead back.
On Monday, Chargers HC Brandon Staley shared that there's "no timeline" for RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) to return to play, per The Athletic's Daniel Popper. It's a vague message, though it sounds like fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see Ekeler suit up in Week 3 vs. the Vikings. Backup Joshua Kelley will presumably remain the lead back in Ekeler's absence. We'll keep tabs on this situation as more information becomes available.
Chargers RB Joshua Kelley recorded 13 attempts for 39 rushing yards in Week 2 vs. the Titans. Fantasy managers hoping to stream the young back as a replacement for Austin Ekeler (ankle) are likely disappointed by the results of Sunday’s OT loss. Kelley’s heavy involvement in Week 1 still makes him worthy of rostering in deeper leagues, but those in 10 or 12-team leagues can justify throwing him back into the waiver pool. Keep track of the injury reports this week to see if Ekeler will return for next Sunday’s contest vs. the Vikings.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweets that Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) "has a chance" to return for Week 3. We've heard whispers that Ekeler might be dealing with a high-ankle sprain, so it's good to hear that Week 3 is a possibility. We'll track his progress this coming week. Joshua Kelley steps in as Los Angeles' lead back vs. the Titans today.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game vs. the Titans. He didn't practice all week and certainly isn't a lock to make it back for Week 3. Joshua Kelley will operate as the Bolts' lead back this weekend and is a solid RB2 play, despite the negative matchup.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game vs. the Titans. The team evidently doesn't want to rule Ekeler out just yet, but he didn't practice all week and is obviously a long shot. Ekeler's absence will leave Joshua Kelley as Los Angeles' lead back, with RBs Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson behind him. This matchup is brutal against a Tennessee defense that ranked third in adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs last year and held Saints RB Jamaal Williams to 52 scoreless yards in the 2023 opener. But Kelley is a strong bet for 15+ touches on an offense with a 24.0-point implied total, making him a solid RB2 play.
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