(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers had some relatively high hopes for this season after they went 10-7 and made the playoffs in 2022 despite a gnarly rash of key injuries.
They have one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Justin Herbert, as well as a talented cast on both sides of the football, and the hope has been that some relatively good health would allow them to make some noise in the playoffs.
But Los Angeles suffered a difficult loss to the explosive Miami Dolphins at home in Week 1, 36-34, and now they have an additional concern.
Per Adam Schefter, head coach Brandon Staley says stud running back Austin Ekeler has an injured ankle and that he may not be able to participate in practice this week.
Chargers’ HC Brandon Staley said RB Austin Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury, and his status for practice this week is uncertain.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2023
Ekeler played well on Sunday, running for 117 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions and 47 yards in the air.
He is the Chargers’ biggest offensive threat given his dual-threat skills, and any type of an absence would be very bad news for them, especially given how deep and competitive the AFC is this season.
Ekeler asked to be traded during the offseason after not receiving the contract extension he had asked for, but he ended that standoff when the team reworked his current deal and added some incentives to it.
He will still become a free agent after the conclusion of this season.
Last year, Ekeler had 915 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns plus 722 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Los Angeles will play the Tennessee Titans on the road next week, then travel to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 before returning home to host the Las Vegas Raiders on October 1.
The post Chargers Are Dealing With Sudden Austin Ekeler Problem appeared first on The Cold Wire.