Tag: austin ekeler fantasy

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler could help you win your 2021 fantasy football league

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler is an elite fantasy football asset.

The Chargers offseason brought with it a coaching staff, which could bring a positive impact to those who are playing fantasy football this year.

Among the players who should have owners licking their chops is running back Austin Ekeler.

Ekeler enters his fifth season with new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi calling the shots. One thing about Lombardi is that he has historically gotten his running backs involved more than most coaches in the league.

During his time with the Saints, Lombardi utilized backs like Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles, but the most notable was Alvin Kamara, who recorded at least 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns three times in his first four seasons.

It just so happens that Ekeler has a very similar skill-set to Kamara, considering the two are ultra-refined runners and lethal pass-catchers.

In each of his seasons, Ekeler has put up big numbers. He amassed 933 yards from scrimmage while missing six games during the 2020 season, but had 1,550 during an injury-free 2019 campaign.

Ekeler shouldn’t have to worry about that many touches being taken because Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley or Larry Rountree III have yet to establish themselves as candidates to receive bigger roles.

In addition, Ekeler will be playing behind the best offensive line he’s had since coming into the league.

Heading into the new season, should he stay healthy, Ekeler could be looking at his best campaign to date.

If I’m drafting, the Ekeler is going to be selected with my late first-round, early second-round selection in both standard and points per receptions (PPR) formats, and I am confident that he can finish as a top-5 running back by season’s end.

Draft Ekeler and reap the reward.

Projection: 815 Rush Yds | 4 Rush Tds | 81 Rec | 801 Rec Yds | 7 Rec Tds

Chargers activate RB Austin Ekeler off injured reserve

The Los Angeles Chargers will be getting their dynamic weapon back.

It’s been eight weeks since Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has touched the football field, but Sunday against the Bills could mark the first time in that time span.

Los Angeles announced that Ekeler has been activated off of the injured reserve, which means that he is eligible to play in Week 12. To make room for the dynamic back, the team waived defensive end Jesse Lemonier.

L.A. also activated defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko, linebacker B.J. Bello and linebacker Cole Christiansen from the practice squad.

Ekeler’s presence gives a backfield, which featured Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson, Troymaine Pope and recently added Kalen Ballage, a huge boost. It was recently reported that Ballage is not likely to play this weekend because of calf and ankle injuries.

In four starts, Ekeler amassed 392 yards from scrimmage (248 rushing, 144 receiving) and a rushing score.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has ‘chance’ to play vs. Bills

The Chargers could be getting one of their most prolific offensive weapons back this Sunday.

The Chargers could be getting one of their most prolific offensive weapons back this Sunday.

Coach Anthony Lynn said that there’s a “chance” running back Austin Ekeler will play in Week 12 against the Bills.

Ekeler has been held out since Week 4 after suffering a hamstring injury during the team’s matchup against the Buccaneers.

Wednesday marked the first time that Ekeler practiced in weeks, but he has yet to be activated off the injured reserve.

In the first four weeks, Ekeler was efficient, rushing 47 times for 236 yards and one touchdown. He was also extremely impactful in the passing game, catching all 16 targets for 143 yards.

Another key player who could return to the field is cornerback Chris Harris Jr. Harris, who suffered a foot injury in Week 3, was also designated to return from the IR.

Lynn said CB Brandon Facyson will come off the COVID-19/Reserve list, which will give the Chargers some depth at the position if Harris isn’t ready to go.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler hints he’s nearing return from injury

The Los Angeles Chargers could be getting a key piece of their offense back in the coming weeks.

The Chargers have been without running back Austin Ekeler, a vital piece to their offense, since Week 4 after he suffered a hyperextended knee and hamstring injury which forced him to be placed on the injured reserve.

However, Los Angeles might not be without him for much longer.

Ekeler went to his personal Twitter account to post a video of him running at practice and said “to all my fantasy owners who didn’t drop me…the time draws near.”

Prior to that, Ekeler hinted on his personal Twitch account that he had his eyes set on a Week 13 return against the Patriots.

Since Ekeler has been out, L.A. has been rolling with a committee backfield, which has consisted of Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Troymaine Pope and Kalen Ballage.

That’s how it’ll be again, at least for this upcoming Sunday against the Dolphins. When Ekeler comes back, he will resume his duties as the No. 1 running back, supplying the team with a threat on the ground and through the air.