Kalen Ballage didn’t make much of his time with the Jets, but he’s taking full advantage of his opportunity with the Chargers.
Ballage has played in two games for the Chargers since he was released by the Jets after Week 4. Through Ballage’s first two games as a Charger, he’s rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown to go along with 49 receiving yards.
Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has been impressed with Ballage so far and sees him as a valuable part of their team as Los Angeles prepares to host New York.
“He’s answered the call,” Lynn said, per the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. “He’s stepped up. He’s made some tough yards. And he’s definitely helped that rushing attack. He’s a very important part of our offense right now. We’re glad we have him.”
Ballage had 13 total rushing yards and 67 receiving yards in three games with the Jets. New York tried to use Ballage in pass protection as well, but that backfired. He blew a couple of assignments in his final game as a Jet against the Broncos and was cut soon after.
Ballage came to the Jets as an Adam Gase favorite. He was with Gase for two years in Miami and had 326 rushing yards, 119 receiving yards and four total touchdowns there. New York tried to trade for Ballage before the start of the season, but that fell through when he failed his physical. The Jets then signed him as a free agent shortly after that.
Now Ballage will get his chance to showcase what the Jets are missing out on when his new team and his old team face off Sunday in Los Angeles.