Chargers’ Brandon Staley ‘optimistic’ Austin Ekeler will play in season opener

The Chargers’ lead back is trending towards playing this Sunday.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler returned to practice Friday after missing the last two with a hamstring issue.

Head coach Brandon Staley said that he is optimistic Ekeler will play this Sunday, adding that he looked good in practice.

On the final injury report, Ekeler was listed as a full participant and he is questionable heading into the season opener against the Washington Football Team.

If whatever reason Ekeler isn’t able to go, Staley said that the load would be split up between Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree.

The only other notable on the report is that defensive back Trey Marshall will be unavailable as he’s currently dealing with an ankle injury.