Austin Ekeler

Fantasy Advice

Ekeler still has little to no competition for his job that led to 107 receptions a season ago. Plus he scored 18 TD last year, and 20 TD in 2021. I might be inclined to put him as my RB1. Except, he is the oldest player in this tier and a little jacked up physically which runs a greater risk of a soft tissue injury. There is no decent handcuff for Ekeler.

Position Rankings

Fantasy News Last 90 Days

Austin Ekeler Still Missing From Practice

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (knee) missed another practice on Thursday. Ekeler suffered an ankle injury in the season opener and hasn't practiced since while also missing the Week 2 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. He says he's made some progress, but unless he's able to get back on the field in some capacity on Friday, he's likely to miss a second straight game this Sunday on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. Joshua Kelley disappointed as a plug-and-play fantasy option with Ekeler out last weekend, but he'd be worth another shot in fantasy lineups in Minnesota against a porous defense if Ekeler misses another game. Check back on Friday for Ekeler's final status for Sunday's game.

Sep 21 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Says He's Made Progress

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) gave an update on the ankle injury that he suffered in the season opener, saying it's more of a "day-to-day, week-to-week" type of situation and that he likes "the progress I've made so far." Ekeler didn't play in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and also didn't practice on Wednesday. He's going to need to get back on the field in the next two days to have a realistic chance to play this Sunday in Minnesota against the Vikings as the Bolts look for their first win of the season. As of right now, Ekeler should be considered very questionable to play. If he misses another game, Joshua Kelley will get another shot as the lead back for LA after a disappointing showing as the top option in Week 2.

Sep 21 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Misses Wednesday's Practice

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) did not take part in Wednesday's practice. Ekeler didn't practice at all last week or play in the Week 2 loss to the Tennessee Titans, and he's not off to a great start this week. Head coach Brandon Staley said on Monday that there's "no timeline" for Ekeler's return from an ankle injury he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, so fantasy managers need to be prepared to potentially be without him for a second straight game. Joshua Kelley was a popular waiver-wire pickup last week but disappointed with 13 carries for 39 yards in Sunday's loss to the Titans as LA's lead back. Kelley could easily bounce back if Ekeler sits again, though, as he'd be facing a Vikings defense that has been very generous through two games.

Sep 20 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

NFL Accuses NFLPA Of Encouraging RBs To Fake Injuries

Nick Chubb being carted to the locker room against the Steelers on Monday night highlights the importance of running backs securing guaranteed money, but this offseason brought an effective crash of the position’s market, leaving it in an unstable place. The fallout from the franchise tag deadline led to running backs meeting about the state […]

Sep 19 · Pro Football Rumors Giants Browns Jets Chargers Patriots Raiders Packers Bengals Cowboys Colts Saquon Barkley Nick Chubb Dalvin Cook Austin Ekeler Ezekiel Elliott Josh Jacobs Aaron Jones Joe Mixon Tony Pollard Jonathan Taylor

"No Timeline" For Austin Ekeler's Return

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said there's "no timeline" on running back Austin Ekeler's (ankle) return from an ankle injury after he missed practice all of last week and the team's Week 2 loss on the road to the Tennessee Titans. A report surfaced on Sunday that Ekeler will have a chance to play in Week 3 versus the Minnesota Vikings, but Staley seemed to pump the brakes on that on Monday. In any event, the 28-year-old shouldn't miss extended time even if he does miss another game this week. Ekeler is a must-start RB1 in fantasy lineups anytime he's on the field. Joshua Kelley was a popular waiver-wire pickup last week, but he failed to deliver as a plug-and-play option in Week 2, carrying the ball 13 times for 39 yards (3.00 yards per carry) after going for 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in Week 1.

Sep 18 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Could Return In Week 3

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) "has a chance" to play in Week 3, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The star playmaker has already been ruled out for Week 2 versus the Titans, catapulting Joshua Kelley into the lead-back role. Ekeler, who totaled 154 scrimmage yards and one touchdown during the Chargers' season opener, would vault back to high-end RB1 status in fantasy football upon his return to the field.

Sep 17 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Chargers Rule Out RB Austin Ekeler For Week 2

It is now official that Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will miss his first game since 2020, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, due to an ankle injury that has been bothering him since the team’s loss to the Dolphins last weekend. Schefter also reports that defenders Eric Kendricks and Chris Rumph have been ruled […]

Sep 16 · Pro Football Rumors Chargers Elijah Dotson Austin Ekeler Joshua Kelley

Austin Ekeler Downgraded, Won't Play In Week 2

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) won't play on Sunday against the Titans. The 28-year-old looked great in Week 1, amassing 117 yards and a touchdown while pulling in four of his five targets. The situation doesn't sound promising, considering Ekeler was downgraded long before kickoff, meaning his absence could be more than a one-time occurrence. As a result, Joshua Kelley is expected to see a substantial increase in production in Week 2. Kelley was nearly as productive as Ekeler in the regular-season opener, totaling 91 yards on the ground and scoring a touchdown of his own. He also saw plenty of work inside the Red Zone. That said, Kelley should be scooped off waivers as soon as possible, although he's likely no longer available in most leagues.

Sep 16 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Not Expected To Travel With Chargers For Week 2 Game

The Chargers are on track to be without their top running back this week against the Titans. Austin Ekeler is listed as doubtful for the game but will likely be downgraded further soon. Ekeler is not expected to travel with the Chargers for the Week 2 road tilt, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper notes. Considering Ekeler […]

Sep 15 · Pro Football Rumors Chargers Austin Ekeler Joshua Kelley

Austin Ekeler Receives Doubtful Designation For Week 2

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) is now listed as doubtful for the team's Week 2 matchup against the Titans. The veteran back was unable to practice all week and trending toward not suiting up on Sunday afternoon. Joshua Kelley saw one target and 16 carries while Ekeler was healthy last week, so he should see plenty of opportunities this time around. Kelley is a high-end RB2 and borderline RB1 based on the volume and efficiency that he flashed last week against the Dolphins.

Sep 15 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Misses Practice Again On Friday

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) was not seen at practice for a third day in a row this week. Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported on Friday afternoon that the star running back was listed as DNP for the third day this week heading into Week 2. Given his experience, this doesn't automatically rule him out of their game against the Titans. This does, however, give reason for concern. If he doesn't suit up, Joshua Kelley would likely be in for a lot of opportunities after he was given 16 carries even with Ekeler healthy. Kelley may even be considered a borderline RB1 if Ekeler can't play.

Sep 15 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Missing From Practice Again

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) is missing his second straight day of practice on Thursday. Ekeler was away from the team on Wednesday to attend the funeral of his agent, but he probably wouldn't have practiced anyway. Ekeler is shaping up as being up in the air to play in Week 2 in Tennessee against the Titans, even if he's able to return to practice in some fashion on Friday. Fantasy managers should be formulating backup plans right now in case Ekeler is limited or unable to go this Sunday. If he's inactive or limited in Week 2, Joshua Kelley, who had 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, would be a must-start as an RB2. Kelley needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues in case Ekeler's injury causes him to miss time.

Sep 14 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Misses Practice For Personal Matter

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday in order to attend the funeral of his agent, Cameron Weiss. Head coach Brandon Staley said on Monday that Ekeler suffered an ankle injury in the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, but we won't know until Thursday now whether the injury is serious enough to keep him off the practice field. We'll keep a close eye on the 28-year-old's status heading into Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans on the road this Sunday. Savvy fantasy managers will want to pick up Joshua Kelley off the waiver wire this week in case Ekeler is unable to play or is limited this weekend due to his injury. Ekeler, a first-round pick in most fantasy drafts, is a must-start if he's active.

Sep 13 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler's Week 2 Practice Status Unclear Due To Ankle Injury

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler's (ankle) status for practice this week is unclear right now while dealing with an ankle injury that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, according to head coach Brandon Staley. This isn't what fantasy managers that used a first-round pick on the do-it-all back want to hear heading into a Week 2 contest against the Tennessee Titans. Don't be surprised if the 28-year-old misses practice time this week, but it won't necessarily mean that he won't suit up this Sunday. We'll keep a close eye on Ekeler's participation at practice heading into the weekend. If he's out or limited in Week 2, Joshua Kelley, who had 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, would be a plug-and-play fantasy RB against Tennessee.

Sep 11 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler Has A Solid Performance In Week 1

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had a solid Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins. He ran the ball 16 times, gaining 117 yards and scoring a touchdown. He also caught four passes on five targets for 47 more yards. Ekeler broke off a huge 55-yard run that almost went all the way for a touchdown. He ended up splitting carries evenly with Joshua Kelley, who also got 16. Ekeler remains one of the best bets in PPR leagues for the running back position.

Sep 11 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler An Excellent Option In Week 1

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is an excellent fantasy option in a Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Ekeler has overall RB2 and RB1 finishes over the past two seasons, and there's no reason to believe he can't repeat that this year. While the Chargers are saying he may not see the same volume he's seen in previous years, Ekeler has shown that he's not a volume-dependent producer. He led the league in touchdowns last season with 18, and should get off to a good start in Week 1 against a mediocre Dolphins run defense. Fire him up as an elite RB1 option.

Sep 7 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Offseason In Review: Los Angeles Chargers

Only the 1992 Oilers and 2013 Chiefs surpass the Chargers’ 27-point collapse in Jacksonville. While Sean Payton loomed as a potential HC candidate, GM Tom Telesco elected to give Brandon Staley a third season. The Bolts did overcome more major injury trouble to return to the postseason. The offseason buzz that annually follows the Chargers […]

Aug 11 · Pro Football Rumors Offseason Chargers Keenan Allen Joey Bosa Derius Davis Michael Davis Max Duggan Austin Ekeler Morgan Fox Alohi Gilman Jalen Guyton Daiyan Henley Justin Herbert J.C. Jackson Derwin James Austin Johnson Quentin Johnston Sebastian Joseph-Day Eric Kendricks Khalil Mack Scott Matlock Jordan McFadden Kenneth Murray Otito Ogbonnia Josh Palmer Donald Parham Easton Stick Tuli Tuipulotu Mike Williams Nick Williams JT Woods Milton Wright

Latest On RB Coalition

Last night, a group of the NFL’s veteran running backs got together on a Zoom call organized by Chargers rusher Austin Ekeler. There was a reportedly strong turnout of NFL-talent for a meeting that ultimately gained little ground. Mike Florio of NBC Sports was able to provide some details on what transpired during the meeting. […]

Jul 24 · Pro Football Rumors Giants Browns Chargers Titans Saints 49ers Saquon Barkley Nick Chubb Austin Ekeler Derrick Henry Alvin Kamara Christian McCaffrey

Veteran RBs Planning To Address Depressed Market Together

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler saw the writing on the wall. As he watched some of the best at his position contemplate their options under a franchise tag, he knew he could be dealing with the same issues next offseason. He made an attempt to remedy the situation but ended up finding out just how […]

Jul 22 · Pro Football Rumors Giants Ravens Chargers Commanders Titans Raiders Cowboys Colts Saquon Barkley J.K. Dobbins Austin Ekeler Antonio Gibson Derrick Henry Josh Jacobs Tony Pollard Jonathan Taylor

Austin Ekeler Opens Up About Offseason Negotiations

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler requested permission in March to seek a trade during his contract impasse with the team. He eventually agreed to a revised contract with added incentives with the Bolts, but he had some things to say about the process on Monday with Zach Gelb on CBS Sports Radio. "You can see for them, yeah, it makes sense because they're getting the best of both worlds there. They have the leverage. And so that's why it was tough for me to get anything out there or get a new contract where you're going to have to give up high picks and also restructure my contract. That's just being transparent on my situation," Ekeler said. The 28-year-old set career-highs in rushing yards (915) and TDs (13) on 204 carries while also catching a career-high 107 passes for 722 yards and five TDs in 17 regular-season starts. Ekeler is easily a top-three fantasy back in 2023, especially in PPR leagues.

Jul 18 · Source via Chargers Austin Ekeler

Chargers Rumors: Ekeler, Johnston, Salary Cap

Within a limited salary cap, as other positions begin to see an increase in the average value of their contracts, the space in the salary cap for those increases has to come from somewhere. As positions like quarterback and defensive tackle are reaching new highs, it seems that the value of running backs is slowly […]

Jul 15 · Pro Football Rumors Chargers Keenan Allen Austin Ekeler Justin Herbert Quentin Johnston Josh Palmer Mike Williams

Extension Candidate: Justin Herbert

Now that the league’s most controversial quarterback extension discussion has come to an end, it’s time to move on to what may be the second-most controversial. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has shown some impressive regular season success in Los Angeles, but without results in the postseason, does he deserve to earn what some of his […]

Jul 9 · Pro Football Rumors Chargers Keenan Allen Austin Ekeler Justin Herbert Mike Williams

Touchdown Distances
Rushing: 1

Touchdown Distances
Rushing: 10, 20, 22, 6, 7, 2, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1, 10, 72, 13, 6
Receiving: 14, 12, 1, 1, 1

Touchdown Distances
Rushing: 3, 11, 4, 3, 5, 6, 5, 1, 1, 2, 3, 14
Receiving: 16, 14, 19, 2, 10, 17, 12, 14

Touchdown Distances
Rushing: 12
Receiving: 9, 4