Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury, the team announced Friday afternoon. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ekeler left Week 1’s 36-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins with an injury late in the fourth quarter after rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
- The 28-year-old Buck did not practice in Week 2 and did not participate in 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 AthleteInstant analysis of c:
Ekeler is on his way home.
Ekeler expressed some optimism earlier in the week when he appeared on the practice field during Wednesday’s media hours. He wasn’t on the field for any of the Chargers’ three practices last week before the loss to the Titans. Ekeler did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, but he 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 until the Chargers officially ruled him out after Friday’s practice.
Ekeler was officially listed as questionable last Friday, but the Chargers had already decided at that point that Ekeler would not travel to Nashville. The Athletic First reported. Ekeler was officially sent off on Saturday. This week, the Chargers decided to rule him out on Friday. When asked if being listed as questionable in Week 2 and sitting out Week 3 meant a step back for Ekeler, who suffered an ankle injury, coach Brandon Staley said, “That doesn’t make sense.” ” he answered.
“He’s working hard to get back,” Staley added. “Let’s see what happens here over the next few weeks.”
Chargers’ rushing attack should bounce back in Minnesota
Joshua Kelley will be starring for the second consecutive week. Kelly had 39 rushing yards on 13 carries last week against the Titans, who have the best front office in football, led by defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons. Tennessee’s defense dominated the line of scrimmage for the game. According to TruMedia, the Vikings are 31st in the league in defensive success rate against designed rushes, so they don’t have the same issues as Tennessee.
There should be a chance for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s rushing attack to get back on track. The Chargers led the league in rushing in Week 1 against the Dolphins. Kelly gained 91 yards on 16 carries in the game. With Ekeler out last week, rookie Elijah Dotson played nine snaps and second-year back Isaiah Spiller played four. Dotson seems to have the upper hand as the running back next to Kelly.
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(Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)