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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler requested a trade this past offseason. However, the franchise didn't agree to his demands and kept him with the team.
He started in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins and had a productive game, but suffered an ankle injury. Due to it, he missed practice this week, and his status heading into Week 2's game against the Tennessee Titans remains uncertain.
Will Austin Ekeler play in Week 2?
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Austin Ekeler has officially been downgraded for Week 2. He will not play in the Chargers' faceoff against the Titans.
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This will be a huge blow for the Los Angeles Chargers, who are coming off a loss to the Dolphins in Week 1. Ekeler had 117 rushing yards on 16 carries in that game and scored a touchdown. He also had 47 receiving yards on four receptions, and it will be tough for the Chargers to fill his void.
The Titans are undoubtedly a tricky team to face, and without Ekeler, the Chargers could possibly lose here. It will be up to quarterback Justin Herbert to have a big game and avoid starting the season 0-2.
Last season, he had 204 carries for 915 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 17 games. Out of those 18, five were receiving touchdowns, as Ekeler was crucial in the Chargers' passing game as well.
Who is Austin Ekeler's backup?
Behind Ekeler on the Chargers' running back depth chart are Joshua Kelly, rookie Elijah Dotson and second-year player Isaiah Spiller. Kelly will likely be the leading back for the Chargers in Week 2, as Brandon Staley will aim to help Herbert spread the ball more in the passing game.
So far in his career, Kelly has played four seasons for the Chargers, in which he has recorded 834 yards on 229 carries and has scored five rushing touchdowns. He isn't the same player as Ekeler, but can certainly contribute in the passing game as well.
Thinking of using a player in Week 2 fantasy lineups? Make sure to consult Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer first.
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