LA Chargers’ offense might get a big boost for the tough contest against Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Chargers plan to activate their No. 1 running back Austin Ekeler from the Injured Reserve list at some point this week. He is cleared for practice and could be included in the roster against the Bills if he shows enough progress.
This would be the first time for Ekeler to step on the field since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4. Up to that point, the 25-year-old player had averaged 5.1 yards per carry while rushing for 248 and a touchdown. He was also a factor in the passing game, managing 17 catches for 144 yards.
In Austin Ekeler’s absence, the Chargers turned to an RB committee consisting out of 2020’s fourth-round pick Joshua Kelley and pair of third-year players in Justin Jackson and Kalen Ballage. However, neither of them managed to step up to give the team a reliable running game. Jackson was arguably the trio’s best, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, while Ballage and Kelly have 3.7 and 3.1, respectively.
The return of Ekeler will help the Chargers establish a more efficient rushing offense while also helping with quarterback Justin Herbert’s workload.
Chargers are currently sitting at the bottom of AFC West with 3-7 record.
