Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler started 2023 off the same way he ended 2022 — with an incredible fantasy football performance. The overall RB1 from last season finished Week 1 as the RB3, generating 117 yards on the ground and 47 yards through the air, including a TD.
What’s the latest news surrounding Ekeler, and should fantasy managers be looking at Joshua Kelley as a solid start in Week 2?
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Editor’s Note: Austin Ekeler has been ruled out of the Los Angeles Chargers Week 2 game.
Latest Injury News Surrounding Austin Ekeler
Ekeler was dominant in Week 1, and at no point did it look like he was injured. However, after the game, it was revealed that he had an ankle injury.
Ekeler has had ankle issues previously in 2021, but nothing bad enough to cause him to miss games. However, he missed practice this entire week and carries a doubtful injury label going into Sunday’s game against the Titans. In fact, it was reported on Friday that he is not expected to travel with the team to Nashville.
Should You Start Joshua Kelley?
As it is all but certain that Ekeler will miss this week’s game, Joshua Kelley will carry the load for the Chargers. Tennessee does have a solid run defense, but Kelley has proven his worth. Last week, even with Ekeler on the field, Kelley managed 16 carries and ran 20 routes. Kelley had a career-high 91 yards and one TD in the loss.
Ekeler has even sung Kelley’s fantasy upside on his own podcast, saying that he should be picked up no matter whether Ekeker is playing or not. Kelley looked confident in Week 1, and he seems ready to take the lead while Ekeler recovers.
On today's pod @austinekeler and I discussed why Joshua Kelley should be 100% rostered in fantasy. Backup RB with contingent value but may have some standalone value too. pic.twitter.com/8HHx2c17lp
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB)
“That’s how I approach every week, honestly,” Kelley said. “I don’t think you can just have those moments where like, ‘Dang, I got to get ready,’ because for me, I wouldn’t be here if that was the case. So I think it’s just staying locked in, ready to go whatever happens.”
What Does This Mean for Ekeler’s Fantasy Ranking?
Kelley’s fantasy ranking is the most important here, as Ekeler shouldn’t start. The main back for the Chargers would be a lower-end RB2 or Flex option against a strong Titans rush defense. If you have Ekeler and were able to snag Kelley on waivers, you might have no choice but to start him on Sunday. He should have a solid game, but expect more passing from Justin Herbert.
MORE: Week 2 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
With the only other RBs on the roster being rookie Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller, have confidence that Kelley should play the majority, if not all, of the snaps. You can start him if needed based on volume alone.
