Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury, the team announced Friday afternoon. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ekeler left LA’s 36-34 Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins with the injury late in the fourth quarter after rushing for 117 yards and scoring a touchdown on 16 carries.
- The 28-year-old defenseman did not practice in Week 2 and was ruled out of Sunday’s loss to the Titans.
- Ekeler did not practice in Week 3.
- Linebacker Eric Kendricks was also ruled out of Sunday’s game.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Ekeler is working his way back
Ekeler sparked some optimism earlier this week when he appeared on the practice field during the media-open portion on Wednesday. He hadn’t been on the field for any of the three practices last week before the Chargers’ loss to the Titans. Ekeler did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, but wore a T-shirt jersey and sneakers and watched individual drills while chatting with running backs coach Derrick Foster. Ekeler did the same on Thursday. But he wasn’t on the field Friday before the Chargers officially ruled him out after practice.
Ekeler was officially listed as doubtful on Friday of last week, but the Chargers had already decided at that point that he would not make the trip to Nashville, as first reported by The Athletic. Ekeler was officially downgraded to out on Saturday. This week, the Chargers decided to simply rule him out on Friday. When asked if the statement that he is questionable for Week 2 and out for Week 3 is a result of Ekeler having to step back with his ankle injury, coach Brandon Staley replied, “No implication.”
“He’s working hard to get back,” Staley added. “We’ll see how things continue here in the next few weeks.”
The Chargers’ rushing attack should bounce back in Minnesota
Joshua Kelley will take the lead for the second year in a row. Kelley had 39 rushing yards on 13 carries last week against the Titans, who have one of the best fronts in football led by defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Tennessee’s defense dominated the game’s line of scrimmage. According to TruMedia, the Vikings rank 31st in the league in defensive success rate on targeted rushes, so they don’t present the same challenges as Tennessee.
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should have a chance to get back on track with his rushing attack. The Chargers led the league in rushing in Week 1 against the Dolphins. Kelley had 91 yards on 16 carries in that game. With Ekeler out last week, rookie Elijah Dotson played nine snaps and sophomore Isaiah Spiller played four snaps. Dotson appears to have the upper hand as the RB2 behind Kelley.
Required reading
(Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)