Typically, when players are added to the injury report late in the week, it’s enough to raise eyebrows and create blood pressure issues for fantasy football managers. We have just such an occurrence, as Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler was added to the injury report and missed Thursday’s practice with a new hip issue.
Update:Â Austin Ekeler is active for the Chargers Week 8 matchup with the Patriots.
Is Austin Ekeler going to play Week 8?
Man, I hope so. Speaking selfishly as someone with Ekeler on a ton of rosters, it would be great for him to suit up on Sunday. What’s odd about this is the lack of information about the injury. We’re not sure how the injury happened, how bad it is, and where things stand for Ekeler’s chances to play.
Ekeler missed practice again Friday and was listed as questionable. There have been no definitive statements, but after looking concerning overnight Friday, there appeared to be some clarity overnight into Sunday morning.
In an Instagram post, Ekeler demonstrated that he had put himself in his fantasy lineup. Adam Schefter then later tweeted that Ekeler had confirmed to ESPN that he would be playing.
What should fantasy managers do about the Chargers RB?
Quite simply put, until we see the inactives, fantasy managers need to plan for Ekeler not to play.
If you’re looking for an Ekeler handcuff, the options behind him on the Chargers’ depth chart are Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson, and Larry Rountree III. All three of them have been uninspiring this year, and they’re waiting for someone to step up to be a serviceable second option.
Rountree has the second-most attempts (24) behind Ekeler, converting those into 60 rushing yards (2.5 ypc). Jackson has 10 carries for 22 yards, and Kelley has 6 for 24.
If you need to replace Ekeler, I would look outside the Chargers’ roster. It’s not great behind Ekeler. Frankly, I wouldn’t trust any of the other three Chargers options this week against a rough New England Patriots rush defense. If Ekeler is to miss time, the receiving options will take center stage in this game, including Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
The concern is the Chargers do not play until the afternoon. Therefore, if Ekeler is a late scratch, your options are limited. The teams playing in that later window are the Buccaneers, Saints, Patriots, Jaguars, Seahawks, Washington, and the Broncos. There is then of course the Cowboys, Vikings, Chiefs, and Giants playing in primetime. The available options might not be pretty, but it is always good to have a backup plan.
So, here’s the play — make sure you solidify a replacement option in case Ekeler can’t go this week, and we’ll hope that the Chargers are being overly cautious with their star running back and that he still suits up.
