Austin Ekeler returned from a three-week injury absence last Sunday but may have gotten hurt again today. What happened to the Los Angeles Chargers running back in Week 7, and what is Ekeler’s current injury status as the Bolts take on the Kansas City Chiefs?
Austin Ekeler Injury Update
Ekeler came up limping after a second-quarter rushing attempt. He gained two yards on second-and-goal from the Chiefs’ 9-yard line but was hampered after the play.
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CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said Ekeler was stretching and trying to stay loose on the Los Angeles sideline but was not examined by the team’s medical staff.
Fortunately, Ekeler eventually returned to the field during the Chargers’ ensuing offensive drive. It will be worth monitoring his health for the rest of today’s game, but the fact that he’s back in the lineup is clearly a positive sign.
Ekeler’s potential injury is especially concerning because he missed Weeks 2-4 with a high ankle sprain. After the Chargers’ Week 5 bye, Ekeler returned to post 18 total touches for 72 scoreless yards in the club’s Monday night loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Joshua Kelley, Ekeler’s primary backup, scored a 49-yard second-quarter rushing touchdown against the Chiefs today. But LA can’t afford to be without Ekeler.
The Chargers posted the NFL’s worst rushing success rate and second-worst rushing EPA over the three weeks Ekeler was sidelined.
What Would the Chargers’ Offense Look Like Without Ekeler?
Prior to his injury, Ekeler registered 23 total yards on eight touches against the Chiefs.
If Ekeler misses any time in the near future, Kelley will immediately see an expanded role. Kelley wasn’t very productive when Ekeler was out of the lineup earlier this season but has already scored a touchdown in the first half against the Chiefs. Kelley will enter the RB2 conversation if Ekeler is out of the lineup.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate