Update, Sept. 16 — Ekeler has been downgraded to out for Week 2. This will elevate Joshua Kelley to the No. 1 RB job, while Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller should be his backups.
Chargers downgraded Austin Ekeler, Eric Kendricks and Chris Rumph to out for Sunday’s game vs. the Titans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2023
Update, Sept. 15 PM — Ekeler has been listed as doubtful on the team’s final injury report, per Daniel Popper. That means a 25% or less chance of playing on Sunday.
Update, Sept. 15 — Ekeler once again was not practicing on Friday. Given his ankle injury, this does not bode well for Sunday. Joshua Kelley would get the start in his absence.
#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) not practicing today.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 15, 2023
Update, Sept. 14 — Ekeler is not practicing on Thursday. This was the day that the Chargers were expected to evaluate the extent of his ankle injury. We don’t have any word on the severity of the injury yet, but the lack of practice on Thursday starts to raise concerns about his availability on Sunday.
#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is not practicing t today.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 14, 2023
Update: Sept. 13 — Ekeler did not practice on Wednesday. He is still dealing with an ankle injury that will be further evaluated on Thursday. The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up to take on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Ekeler has the ankle injury but was also away from the team due to personal reasons. As a result, the Chargers signed RB Jaret Patterson from the practice squad earlier on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Chargers were unable to come away with a win in Week 1, losing a close contest to the Miami Dolphins 36-34. Running back Austin Ekeler, who had a massive day offensively, suffered an ankle injury in this game and his status for Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans is now uncertain according to head coach Brandon Staley. We’ll have to wait until the practice reports come out to get a better gauge on how Ekeler is doing.
Fantasy football implications for Week 2
If Ekeler is unable to play, the Chargers will lose a big dimension of their offense. Backup running back Joshua Kelley did get significant work in Week 1, likely due to Ekeler’s injury in the game. Kelley would be the No. 1 running back if Ekeler sits out, with Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller fighting for carries behind him. Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams could also see some additional touches if Ekeler sits out.