Injury updates on Chargers’ Drue Tranquill, Justin Jackson, Trai Turner

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn spoke on the status of three players who had injuries.

The Chargers were without a pair of starters in the season opener against the Bengals, most notably guard Trai Turner.

Turner, who was ruled out of the game with a knee injury, had a chance to play Sunday but he was ultimately held out.

Coach Anthony Lynn said the team decided to play it safe with his knee injury, adding that he likes his chances better of playing this weekend against the Chiefs.

While Turner was out from the action, Tyree St. Louis got the start at right guard. St. Louis, at times, struggled. But he held his own for the most part, particularly in the run-blocking department.

Los Angeles, who already lost a key defensive player in Derwin James, saw another one go down early on in the contest.

Linebacker Drue Tranquill suffered a broken fibula, per coach Anthony Lynn. Lynn wouldn’t rule him out for the season, but Tranquill will be out for a while.

After Tranquill was carted off, Nick Vigil took his spot while Denzel Perryman rotated in.

Lynn said he’s looking at many linebacker combinations, but it sounds like rookie Kenneth Murray will stay at middle linebacker.

“We can move Kenneth because he’s so athletic, but do you want to move him to another position? That’s new learning,” Lynn said.

Another player that was ruled out late in the game was running back Justin Jackson, with a quad injury.

“We’re not sure how severe that is. We’ll try to work him in practice some time this week if he can. It will be a day-to-day deal,” Lynn said about Jackson.

No matter the health of Jackson, rookie Joshua Kelley proved that he is capable of manning the spot as the second running back with his performance on Sunday.

If Jackson is forced to miss some time, Los Angeles could bring up a player like Darius Bradwell off the practice squad for depth.

Can the Chargers finish among the NFL’s five best rushing teams in 2020?

The Los Angeles Chargers are equipped to finish among the best rushing teams in 2020.

With the change at quarterback, the Chargers are expected to run the ball more so than they have done in the past.

After finishing No. 28 in the league rushing, Los Angeles has the opportunity to go from the bottom to the top now that they will have more creativity in the running game.

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez is confident that the new offensive scheme will see L.A. finish among the NFL’s five best rushing teams at the end of the 2020 season.

Here’s Gonzalez’ explanation:

Doesn’t sound bold? We’re talking about a team that ranked 28th in rushing yards per game last season, then lost one of the greatest running backs in franchise history. No one man can truly replace Gordon, but the combination of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will produce, Taylor will give the Chargers rushing ability out of the quarterback position that they haven’t had in, well, a really long time, and here’s the kicker: That offensive line will greatly benefit from a healthy Mike Pouncey at center and the additions of Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga on the right side.

With Melvin Gordon’s departure to Denver, it remains to be seen whether Austin Ekeler will see an uptick in rushing attempts, or if Justin Jackson, rookie Joshua Kelley and perhaps others can help to fill that void.

No matter who is getting the carries, they’re all more than capable of making big things happen.

While Ekeler produced more through the air, he still got it done on the ground, rushing for 132 carries, 557 yards, and three touchdowns last season.

Prior to getting injured, Jackson, through the first three weeks of the 2019 season, had 142 yards on 18 carries (7.8 yards per carry). Northwestern’s all-time leading rusher has flashed plenty of dominance in two NFL seasons.

Production is the name of Kelley’s, the team’s fourth-round pick, game. In 2018, he rushed for 1,243 yards. He followed that up with another 1,000-plus-yard campaign in 2019.

Then there’s quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who will also use his legs as a weapon. In his three years as a starter in Buffalo, Taylor averaged 525 rushing yards per season.

The bottom line is that the Chargers are equipped to finish among the top teams in rushing when all is said and done.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson will be ‘fine’ for season opener vs. Bengals

The Los Angeles Chargers will have their entire backfield intact for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chargers running back Justin Jackson missed more than a week of practice because of a toe injury, but it appears he will be ready for the season opener against the Bengals.

According to coach Anthony Lynn, Jackson has been running and will be “fine” for Sunday’s game, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Based of Lynn’s comment, we should expect to see Jackson on the practice when Los Angeles begins their preparation on Wednesday.

Jackson had been battling for the No. 2 running back spot with rookie Joshua Kelley prior to getting banged up.

It remains to be seen who will be RB2 behind Austin Ekeler because the Chargers have yet to release the initial depth chart, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson in that spot solely based on experience.

Kelley is coming off a great training camp, and will be sure to get his share of carries, too. The backfield will likely be a committee to start off the season, but whoever is producing more, will get the bulk of the load.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler praises Joshua Kelley, talks Justin Jackson’s injury

There continues to be high praise for Chargers rookie Joshua Kelley.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler talked to the media on Thursday, which marked the last player press conference of the preseason.

Ekeler is the lead man in a backfield that will be sure to get a lot of work this upcoming season, now that they’re transitioning to a run-heavy system.

Ekeler will have a significant role, both as a ball carrier and pass-catcher, which is why there was a competition for the second back who would compliment the third-year player.

The competition was between Justin Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley.

Jackson, who is entering his third season, is looking to have a bounce back year after dealing with a hamstring injury. But it appears there’s another injury that’s holding him back. Ekeler said that he is dealing with a toe injury, adding that he is “pissed off.”

Jackson missed a few practices during the past couple of weeks. While he was out, Kelley – the team’s fourth-round pick – got a handful of reps as RB2, where he impressed.

Ekeler said he sees Kelley is very talented and that he keeps getting better. He added that he will add a new dynamic to the backfield.

It was expected that it would be a committee in the backfield to start the season, but if Jackson can’t go, there could be a 1-2 punch between Ekeler and Kelley.

Regardless if Jackson is ready to go or not, I expect Kelley to warrant more touches. His showing at camp has suggested a good amount of playing time, and he was praised early and often.

It will be exciting to see Los Angeles’ new offense after some major changes. Ekeler said there’s a “new energy” to the Chargers offense this season.

Fantasy Football: Projecting Chargers running backs’ production in 2020

How will Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley do in 2020?

The Chargers’ offense will shift to a run-heavy system, which means that fantasy football owners should have their eyes on running backs Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley in their drafts.

Ekeler is the clear cut No. 1 RB on the depth chart, but the amount of carries he receives remains to be seen, simply because the team plans to use his versatility as a pass-catcher in the slot and out wide.

The battle between Jackson and Kelley to see who could be the guy who carries the load has been heated throughout training camp.

The third-year Jackson has impressed, but Kelley, the fourth-round pick, has made a statement to have the lead role, showing out as a runner and receiver up to this point.

How does USA Today’s The Huddle see the backfield panning out?

For Ekeler, they have him amassing 1,330 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. Jackson is forecasted to post 400 yards on the ground for four touchdowns. Kelley is projected to rush for 350 yards and three touchdowns.

The Huddle predicts Jackson to enter the season as RB2 behind Kelley while the first-year player provides as a short-yardage specialist. But it wouldn’t surprising to see Kelley take on a bigger role early on in the season.

I’ve mentioned since when the Chargers drafted him that I could see the former UCLA product end up with a good amount of work out of the backfield.

It remains to be seen when the transition will occur, but I expect Los Angeles to give the majority of the load to Kelley after they take more of a committee approach.

The bottom line is Ekeler is worth an early round pick, while Jackson and Kelley both are talented, present plenty of upside, and are worthy of being handcuffed in your fantasy football drafts.

My projection: Kelley outproduces Jackson in 2020.

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Chargers’ backfield shining at training camp

The Chargers look to be efficient on the ground in 2020.

The Chargers’ offense is going to shift from pass-heavy to run-heavy this upcoming season.

Led by Austin Ekeler, the backfield features a rotation of young and healthy runners. The rest of the pack is made up of third-year Justin Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley.

With the running game becoming the focal point this upcoming season, the backfield needs to be at its best. So far in training camp, each member has stood out.

Ekeler, who will be the feature back after Melvin Gordon’s departure, has done what he does best by beating defenders on the ground, as well as through the air, whether he’s been lined up out of the backfield or out wide.

The battle for RB2 is one of the more compelling positional competitions, which is between Jackson and Kelley. Both players have shined, making the battle even more stiff.

Jackson, the former Northwestern product, continues to churn out yards on the ground. After dealing with an injury in 2019, Jackson looks to stay healthy and produce like he has done in a limited capacity.

Jackson has averaged 5.1 yards on 79 carries and has caught 24 of 30 targets to this point in his career. He was praised by his teammate, Ekeler, calling him “so unique,” and even said he’s making an effort to emulate certain parts aspects of Jackson’s running style.

While Jackson may have the slight edge to win the job due to his experience in the league, Kelley is making things intriguing.

rook comin' through 🏎@SmoothplayJK | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/VpID9O4fMa

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) August 19, 2020

Kelley, the team’s fourth-round pick, is trying to show that he can carve up a significant role in his rookie season. He has been making the most of his reps with the first-team. The former UCLA product has been running with a physical mentality, while also showing off his speed.

Lynn spoke on Kelley on Friday, stating that he’s been having a good camp, and is a quick learner.

4 Chargers who could become rising stars with strong 2020 season

The Chargers have done a fine job of grooming young stars.

The Chargers have done a fine job at adding young talent the past couple of years.

There have been some that have earned the status of stardom already like Derwin James, Austin Ekeler and Joey Bosa. But there are a few that could be among the crop with a strong 2020 season.

With a great showing in 2020, here are four Chargers who could enter the mix for that title:

WR Mike Williams

After being banged up during his rookie season in 2017, Williams has been the model of consistency since then. In 2018, the former Clemson product surpassed the 10-touchdown mark. In 2019, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. His 20.4 yards per reception ranked first in the league.

Williams has fallen in second and third tier of wide receivers, while his teammate, Keenan Allen, stacks up among the first tier by many pundits. That could quickly change with a stout campaign this upcoming season.

Some believe the change at quarterback may impact his production, but both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert have shown to have success with the deep ball, which means there should be plenty of opportunities for the big-bodied target.

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Fantasy football: 6 running back sleepers to target for 2020

This group of under-the-radar RBs will be worth the late-round pick.

The expanding list of running backs with pass-catching abilities has created a dramatic shift in fantasy football — especially PPR (points per reception) leagues.

Considering the high rate of touches they receive and the short dump passes that add up, it’s not a surprise. But, running backs average 3.3 seasons in the NFL because of the damage they take, leaving room for new players to emerge consistently. There’s an ever-revolving door of backs that will flow and fantasy owners can take advantage of that early.

Here are six sleeper choices that won’t gain much national attention at the start of the season, but have potential to rise as stars by the end.

Lamar Miller

Lamar Miller is the only player on the list who shouldn’t be listed as a sleeper, but his health circumstances landed him here. Miller signed with the New England Patriots on Monday night after missing the 2019 season with the Houston Texans because of a torn ACL and MCL.

The 29-year-old running back has averaged 834 rushing yards and 224 receiving yards in his seven-year career. Miller’s sleeper status comes from the depth ahead of him with Sony Michel and James White. He’s coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2018 and has the potential to quickly become the primary back if Michel’s injury concerns don’t dissipate.

Miller finished 23rd in fantasy points in 2018 and it was largely to due with his 163 receiving yards — the second-lowest in his career. He’s joining a Josh McDaniels offense that thrives off of dump passes, which will be instrumental in helping Cam Newton gain comfortability in the offense.

Miller will make an immediate impact if his health allows him and could very easily shoot up to the No. 1 role early in the season. He’ll begin as an RB2 or flex option, but could quickly ascend into the top-tier fantasy role he once claimed.

Chase Edmonds

Chase Edmonds has an extremely high ceiling. The third-year running back will enter a backfield that let go of David Johnson and features Kenyan Drake — who hasn’t started a full slate of 16 games in his four-year career.

He’s a strong candidate to pick up in the middle rounds and the rewards will be reaped early in the season. The Arizona Cardinals’ offense is ascending under Kyler Murray and with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. Edmonds averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season, while erupting for 126 yards and three touchdowns in the only game he played more than 65 percent of the team’s snaps.

Edmonds will start off as a flex option, but his potential to quickly rise will make him worth the pick.

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Chargers RB Joshua Kelley reflects on transition from virtual offseason to first training camp

Chargers running back Joshua Kelley is happy to finally be on the practice field.

Chargers rookie running back Joshua Kelley should be very familiar with his new teammates, coaching staff and the team’s training facility by now. But that’s not the case, as the coronavirus outbreak put all in-person activities to a delay.

Kelley, along with the rest of the first-year players, arrived a little over a week ago for training camp, and are now able to put all the virtual activities to bed after being limited to it since the spring.

Kelley wasn’t too bummed about not being able to take the practice field months ago. Instead, the Zoom meetings helped get him a lot of mental reps. He eventually was able to get some reps in with his positional group prior to reporting to camp.

“Usually you’re in the meeting rooms and you go out on the field (but) this year has been different, it’s been an adjustment,” Kelley said. “Luckily for me, I’ve worked out with Austin (Ekeler) and Justin (Jackson,) so I’ve been able to get these reps with those guys.

For me, I was almost just stealing some reps this offseason where a lot of guys didn’t have that. It was almost kind of a seamless type of feel for me, because I’ve worked through these reps, I’ve worked through this with these guys, so it’s really helped me in walk throughs so far. But, I’m not perfect. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, so I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’ll get better.”

Kelley has gotten the help from players like Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Hunter Henry as he transitions to the professional level.

“They’ve been great,” he said. “They’re fantastic role models. They’re great people, great players. They’re pretty much just teaching me how to be a professional. And for me as a rookie, that’s the best thing you can ask for, veterans just taking you under their wing and teaching you how to be a pro.”

Kelley, the former UCLA product, was productive in college. While he has the opportunity to take on a big role in the backfield, he admits that the game is a lot faster going from virtual to in-person activities, and he needs to get caught up to the speed of the NFL first.

“The biggest thing is getting a chance to see how fast things are going. For me, I’m in the huddle so I have to really process information (and) get lined up, and it just goes by really fast. I’m pretty sure when the vets get here, it’ll be light speed.”

5 offensive storylines to watch at Chargers training camp

The Los Angeles Chargers will have a new look on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are five offensive storylines to watch for the Los Angeles Chargers during training camp:

A new era

All eyes will be on the quarterback position after the 16-year marriage between the Chargers and Philip Rivers came to an end earlier this offseason.

Taking over is Tyrod Taylor, the 10-year veteran. Taylor has spent most of his career as a backup but did start three seasons with the Bills, leading them to a playoff appearance in 2017. In 43 starts, Taylor has a 62.6 completion percentage and has thrown 51 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions.

But it won’t be without competition.

Los Angeles drafted Justin Herbert with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft with the hopes of him becoming the long-term solution. Herbert faces an uphill challenge after an unusual virtual offseason program that kept him from taking the practice field.

While Herbert has the size, athleticism and arm strength to get by, his accuracy needs to improve, as does his anticipation. His development will be key in order to best of him. The team is hopeful that quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton will help aide in that.

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