Chargers "hopeful" Ekeler plays Week 8

Chargers HC Brandon Staley said Friday that he's "hopeful" RB Austin Ekeler (hip) will be able to play vs. the Patriots on Sunday. Ekeler was sore after Wednesday's practice, Staley said, so they decided to hold him out on Thursday and Friday. It's a relatively optimistic report, but Ekeler's Week 8 status remains uncertain. We'll continue looking for updates on the situation. Patriots-Chargers doesn't kick off until 4:05 pm ET on Sunday.