Austin Ekeler injury update: Week 9 fantasy outlook for the Los Angeles Chargers' running back

Due to abdominal issues, Austin Ekeler had limited participation in practice on Thursday. Ekeler participated in a full practice on Wednesday, making his inclusion in the Los Angeles Chargers Week 9 injury report noteworthy. Whether he enters Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Falcons with an injury designation will be made known in Friday's full report.

Ekeler returned from his bye week with an injury. On Wednesday, he wasn't listed as injured. However, considering that mid-week downgrades are sometimes hard to read, his status will have to be kept under observation. Ekeler might still play in the upcoming game with a questionable designation if he stays restricted.

Austin Ekeler's stats and fantasy outlook

Seattle Seahawks v Los Angeles Chargers

In the 37-23 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7, Austin Ekeler ran the ball on nine occasions for 31 yards and a touchdown. He received all of his targets (12) for 96 yards and another touchdown. The Los Angeles Chargers were down 17-0 at the end of the first quarter, and the running back did all he could to keep his side in it. However, with many wideouts injured, Ekeler ended up leading the squad in targets, receptions and receiving yards.

Austin Ekeler has amassed 218 receiving yards, 300 running yards, and an astonishing eight touchdowns in his last four games. He has surpassed 100 scrimmage yards in three of those contests. Ekeler was given a break during the Week 8 bye.

Ekeler has continued to be effective, grabbing the majority of touches despite being 14th in the breakaway rate and 30th in PFF's elusive rating. Additionally, Ekeler has been getting significant involvement in the passing game. He currently holds the eighth-best mark in terms of yards per route run, target share, and receptions and receiving yards. Ekeler is a guaranteed top-three RB pick every week.

Will Austin Ekeler play in Week 9?

Los Angeles Chargers v Cleveland Browns

Ekeler has recovered well and is on schedule to play against the Atlanta Falcons if he participates in another session on Friday. A DNP would denote a high degree of doubt and tends to imply a higher chance of being out than in. Although Sony Michel played a few more snaps than Isaiah Spiller in Week 7, it isn't easy to decide who to prefer behind Ekeler. Zander Horvath might also be involved. Hopefully, it's irrelevant and Austin Ekeler is healthy for the matchup.