Logs 15 touches in playoff upset

Ekeler (groin) rushed 11 times for 29 yards and brought in all four of his targets for 14 yards in the Chargers' 23-17 wild-card win over the Ravens on Sunday.

Analysis: Ekeler shook off the groin issue that had him listed as questionable heading into the contest to put together an unremarkable but serviceable final line. The change-of-pace back essentially handled a normal workload, and his availability became even more valued when backfield mate Melvin Gordon had to exit the game for a time with a knee injury. Ekeler will now look to manage his physical condition carefully over the next week ahead of next Sunday's divisional-round clash against the Patriots.

Suits up Sunday

Ekeler (groin) is officially active for Sunday's playoff game against the Ravens.

Analysis: This was the expected outcome after Ekeler practiced throughout the past week, albeit in a limited fashion. The 23-year-old is thus slated to work in a complementary/change-of-pace role behind lead back Melvin Gordon in Sunday's wild-card contest. In doing so, Ekeler should maintain PPR utility in postseason fantasy contests.

In line to play Sunday

Ekeler (groin) is slated to be active for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Ekeler, who practiced this past week in a limited fashion, is thus poised to be available for Sunday's wild-card game. He'll continue to work in a complementary/change-of-pace role behind lead back Melvin Gordon, an assignment that provides Ekeler with a degree of PPR utility.

Questionable for wild-card round

Ekeler (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's wild-card game at Baltimore.

Analysis: Contained to only some activity in practice this week due to a groin injury, Ekeler could be in danger of sitting out for the third time in four games. That said, he'll serve in a complementary role to Melvin Gordon this weekend, if Ekeler is active. That gig translated to 8.5 touches for 73.7 scrimmage yards per game for Ekeler in the 11 contests in which both running backs were active this season.

Limited again Thursday

Ekeler (groin) logged a limited practice again Thursday.

Analysis: Ekeler's groin issue has limited him in each of the first two practice sessions to begin the week, leaving his status somewhat unclear. Friday's injury report should provide a bit more clarity on his status, though Melvin Gordon figures to lead the way for the Chargers' backfield regardless.

Tending to groin injury

Ekeler was limited at Wednesday's practice by a groin injury.

Analysis: Ekeler sat out Weeks 15 and 16 due to a pair of health of concerns -- a stinger and concussion -- but returned for the regular-season finale in Denver, tallying eight carries for 58 yards and one touchdown while failing to haul in his only target. His ability as a receiver helps him gain reps in a Melvin Gordon-led backfield, so with no receptions since Dec. 9, Ekeler is an iffy prospect heading into Sunday's wild-card game at Baltimore. Further hurting Ekeler's case is the availability of…read more

Notches 58 yards, TD on Sunday

Ekeler posted eight rushes for 58 yards and one touchdown but didn't haul in his only target during Sunday's 23-9 victory in Denver.

Analysis: Most of Ekeler's production came after Melvin Gordon's final touch early in the fourth quarter, including a 41-yard dash around right end and a one-yard TD on the same drive to put the game out of reach. Afterward, Gordon told Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com that he "tweaked" his ankle but expects to be fine for a wild-card game in Baltimore. The preceding could result in more first-team work than normal for Ekeler in the coming days, but he would take a back seat to an active Gordon in the…read more

Practices in full

Ekeler (concussion/neck) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Unable to practice in any capacity last week, Ekeler was held out of Saturday's 22-10 loss to the Ravens. His advancement to full practice in the Chargers' first session of Week 17 suggests he'll be ready to go for the regular-season finale in Denver. He'll return to his usual role behind starter Melvin Gordon, with potential to handle more work after halftime if the game between Oakland and Kansas City isn't close. Of course, the Chargers may turn to third-string back Justin Jackson if it…read more

On the field Wednesday

Ekeler (neck/concussion) practiced Wednesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Ekeler is thus trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Broncos approaches. If he's able to play this weekend, Ekeler would be in line to work in a change-of-pace role behind top back Melvin Gordon, likely bumping rookie Justin Jackson down to the No. 3 role.

Trending toward return

Coach Anthony Lynn expects Ekeler (neck/concussion) to return Sunday at Denver, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Lynn may be hinting that Ekeler has gained clearance from the concussion protocol, but official word on that front has yet to emerge. Perhaps working in Ekeler's favor was his limited listing on the final Week 16 injury report before he was ruled out for Saturday's eventual loss to the Ravens. In the end, his activity level will be watched closely to get a bearing on his potential to play in the Chargers' regular-season finale.

Officially out for Week 16

The Chargers downgraded Ekeler (neck/shoulder) from doubtful to out ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Ravens.

Analysis: Coach Anthony Lynn essentially admitted Thursday that Ekeler wouldn't be able to play this week while he remained in the concussion protocol and was still dealing with weakness in his shoulder as a result of the neck injury, so the Chargers' decision to rule the running back out a day before the game hardly comes as a surprise. With Melvin Gordon (knee) set to return from a three-game absence, Ekeler would have been stuck in a change-of-pace role had he gained clearance to suit up. Instead,…read more

Doubtful for Week 16

The Chargers list Ekeler (neck/concussion) as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: Per Sam Fortier of The Athletic, coach Anthony Lynn effectively ruled Ekeler out for the second straight game after meeting with the media Thursday, though the running back will technically carry the doubtful designation into the weekend. Ekeler was unable to practice at any point Tuesday through Thursday, with Lynn relaying that the 23-year-old remains in the concussion protocol and continues to deal with weakness in his shoulder. Fortunately for the Chargers, top back Melvin Gordon (knee)…read more

Misses another practice

Ekeler (neck/concussion) didn't practice Wednesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Back-to-back missed sessions do not bode well for Ekeler's chances of playing Saturday against the Ravens, though his Week 16 status is of less import than it has been of late. The Chargers are expected to get Melvin Gordon (knee) back from a three-game absence this weekend, so Ekeler would be relegated to a complementary role in the backfield if he's able to suit up.

Absent from practice

Ekeler (neck) did not take part in practice Tuesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Ekeler's status appears to have gone unchanged from Monday, which isn't a great sign in regards to his availability for Saturday's game against the Ravens. With Melvin Gordon (knee) practicing for a second straight day and being presumably set to return, Ekeler would likely move back into an ancillary role even if he clears the NFL's concussion protocol. However, he would likely need to get in at least some limited work Wednesday or Thursday if the third-year back wants a chance to suit up this…read more

Still in concussion protocol

Coach Anthony Lynn said Monday that Ekeler (head/neck) is still in the concussion protocol, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: On the other hand, Melvin Gordon (knee) was nearly able to play in Thursday's 29-28 win over Kansas City and is now scheduled to practice Monday afternoon. Ekeler still has time to join his backfield mate on the path toward Week 16 active status, hoping to return to action for Saturday's game against the Ravens. In addition to the concussion, Ekeler acknowledged last week that the neck injury was making it hard to move his head. Another absence would leave Justin Jackson as the No. 2 running…read more

Could return Saturday

Ekeler (neck/concussion) has a chance to return for Saturday's game against the Ravens, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Ekeler was unable to play in Thursday's 29-28 win over the Chiefs just four days after suffering a neck injury and concussion. He does have a shot to make it back with the Chargers on a long week of rest this time around, but a return won't necessarily equate to a starring role in the offense, as Melvin Gordon (knee) also has a chance to suit up.

Ruled out for Week 15

Ekeler (neck/concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: Meanwhile, top running back Melvin Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for the contest, with his status likely to come down to a game-time call. With Ekeler unavailable, Justin Jackson would be next in line to handle the bulk of the Chargers' carries Thursday if Gordon is limited or out.

Not ready to practice

Ekeler (neck/concussion) didn't participate in Tuesday's practice.

Analysis: After suffering a bruised nerve in his neck on an onside kick recovery attempt late in Sunday's 26-21 win over the Bengals, Ekeler entered the concussion protocol after developing symptoms of a head injury during Monday's team walkthrough. Per Sam Fortier of The Athletic, the two injuries make it unlikely Ekeler will rally in time for Thursday's game in Kansas City, potentially leaving the Chargers perilously thin in the backfield. On a more fortunate note, workhorse Melvin Gordon (knee)…read more

'Not optimistic' for Week 15

Coach Anthony Lynn said he's "not optimistic" that Ekeler (neck/concussion) will be available for Thursday's game against the Chiefs, Steve Wyche of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Lynn offered a similar assessment for the outlook of Melvin Gordon (knee), so it's expected the Chargers will be without their top two running backs in a matchup that could effectively decide the AFC West. Ekeler exited late in Sunday's win over the Bengals with a neck stinger -- an issue that has bothered him at various points in recent weeks -- and also entered the NFL's protocol for head injuries Monday after experiencing concussion-like symptoms during a team walk-through session, per Joe…read more

Held out of walk-through Monday

Ekeler (neck/concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report.

Analysis: Although it went unreported at the time, Ekeler has tended to a neck stinger of late, and he aggravated the injury Sunday against the Bengals, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Ekeler also was evaluated for a concussion in the blue sideline tent, and while Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reported the running back didn't enter the protocol for head injuries, his listed injuries on the first Week 15 practice report suggest otherwise. Fortunately, Ekeler was able to speak with the media Monday. On the other…read more

Viewed as day-to-day

Ekeler (neck) is considered day-to-day, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: In addition to dealing with stingers in his neck, Ekeler was checked for a concussion -- and ultimately cleared -- during Sunday's 26-21 win over the Bengals. He finished the game with 94 scrimmage yards and a TD on 17 touches, but his ability to fight through the injury Sunday doesn't necessarily mean he'll able to suit up for Thursday's game in Kansas City. With Melvin Gordon (knee) also uncertain, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome are left as the healthy backfield options. Jackson was…read more

Aggravates neck injury

Ekeler has dealt with stingers of late, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, and will require testing after aggravating the injury in Sunday's victory over the Bengals.

Analysis: The stinger issue limited Ekeler at one day of practice last month but otherwise had not cost him any action until Sunday. However, he missed the Chargers' final drive of Week 14 after injuring his neck on an onside-kick attempt, and it's possible the setback could cost him more action. Making things tough on Ekeler to play Week 15 is a Thursday night matchup with the Chiefs. Ekeler's status will be updated further when the results of his exams are released, and those hoping to include him in…read more

Excels in Week 14, but injured late

Ekeler totaled 94 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in Sunday's victory over the Bengals, but he also suffered an unspecified injury attempting to field an onside kick late in the game, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Ekeler fared far better in his second start in place of an injured Melvin Gordon (knee), averaging a respectable 4.4 YPC and finding paydirt after accumulating just 43 yards from scrimmage Week 13. However, his day ended on a down note, as he needed to head to the medical tent after being injured late. The team didn't clarify what type of setback he's dealing with, but plenty of eyeballs will focus on the Chargers backfield this week with Ekeler's status in question and Gordon potentially…read more

May keep sharing work with Jackson

Ekeler could continue to split backfield work with Justin Jackson during Sunday's game against the Bengals, Kyle Posey of USA Today reports. "[Ekeler's] wearing down a little bit. He's a core special teams guy for us and he's played a lot of running back for us," coach Anthony Lynn said. "So he's a little tired. You might see Justin play a little bit more, you might see [Detrez] Newsome play some this week."

Analysis: With Melvin Gordon (knee) sidelined in the Week 13 win over the Steelers, Ekeler stepped into the starting role and led the team in touches (13 carries, five receptions), but produced just 43 total yards. Jackson, meanwhile, shined in a reserve capacity, carrying eight times for 63 yards and a touchdown while hauling in a 19-yard reception. The rookie out of Northwestern had also sparkled in garbage time against the Cardinals a week prior and may have staked his claim to a meaningful spot in…read more

Leads running backs in touches

Ekeler rushed 13 times for 21 yards and caught five of eight targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 33-30 win over the Steelers.

Analysis: With Melvin Gordon (knee) sidelined, Ekeler took over as Los Angeles' lead back. However, the results -- outside of PPR leagues -- were poor, and rookie Justin Jackson (eight carries for 63 yards and a touchdown) cut into his workload and outproduced Ekeler. Fantasy owners were probably expecting more from the 23-year-old with the increased role after he averaged 5.2 yards per carry (in addition to his contributions in the passing game) prior to Sunday's dud. Gordon's status for Week 14's…read more

Praised by head coach

Coach Anthony Lynn believes Ekeler will have no problem holding up as an every-down back, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports. "That's why you see him running through tackles," Lynn said. "That's why you see him creating yards after contact. He's not a big back, but he can do those type of things."

Analysis: Ekeler is a bit on the small side at 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, but Lynn was quick to point out that the second-year back is the strongest player on the Chargers roster from a pound-for-pound standpoint. The 23-year-old is set to replace Melvin Gordon (knee) in the starting lineup for the second time this season, having previously filled in with 12 carries for 42 yards and five catches for 26 yards in a 20-19 win over Tennessee in Week 7. While his final stat line was disappointing, Ekeler…read more

Sees 15 total touches

Ekeler carried the ball five times for 35 yards and scored a touchdown, and also caught 10 of his 11 targets for 68 yards in the 45-10 win Sunday over the Cardinals.

Analysis: Ekeler's workload rose substantially in the second half after Melvin Gordon left with an MCL injury. That injury could keep Gordon out next week against the Steelers, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com, in which case Ekeler figures to be the primary ball carrier. Of course, more information regarding Gordon's status should trickle out throughout the week, but it's worth pointing out that Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome saw a combined 11 carries, all after Gordon left. It's not clear if…read more

Candidate for increased workload

Melvin Gordon (hamstring/knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, which could set up Ekeler for an increased role.

Analysis: Ekeler earned a start Week 7 when Gordon sat out with a hamstring injury, compiling a season-high 17 touches in the process. However, Ekeler couldn't parlay the elevated reps into much production (68 yards from scrimmage) against a stout Titans defense. Because Gordon is trending toward a game-time decision for Sunday's 4:05 PM ET kickoff, Ekeler is the top candidate to fill in if the former is inactive or otherwise limited by his sore knee. The Chargers are taking on an Arizona defense that…read more

Returns to full practice

Ekeler (neck) returned to a full practice Thursday.

Analysis: Meanwhile, top back Melvin Gordon (hamstring/knee) was added to the Chargers' Week 12 injury report after being limited Thursday. If Gordon is hampered at all this weekend against the Cardinals, added opportunities would be available for Ekeler.

Limited participant in practice

Ekeler was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a neck injury.

Analysis: Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times suggests that Ekeler may have gotten dinged up near the end of the Chargers' Week 11 loss to the Broncos. On the plus side, the running back's injury doesn't appear to be overly serious since he wasn't withheld from practice entirely. Assuming Ekeler is cleared to play against the Cardinals this weekend, he should be ready to handle his usual complementary role behind starter Melvin Gordon.

Nearly tops 70 total yards

Ekeler carried the ball six times for 29 yards and also caught both of his targets for 40 yards in the 23-22 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.

Analysis: Ekeler had three separate plays of 10 yards or longer, continuing to reprise his role as an explosive change-of-pace back. Given the second-year player has seen just one game with more than 10 touches in the last six contests, he remains a fringe fantasy option, but his value would obviously take a substantial jump if Melvin Gordon were to miss any time.

Just three carries in win

Ekeler carried the ball three times for 19 yards in the 20-6 win over the Raiders on Sunday. He did not record a target.

Analysis: Only five players actually received a target as Philip Rivers efficiently dissected a mundane Raiders defense all afternoon. Ekeler actually had a touchdown called back on a holding penalty, which would have aided an otherwise disappointing fantasy performance, but he remains a comfortable change-of-pace option behind starter Melvin Gordon.

Rarely used despite win

Ekeler carried the ball three times for 21 yards and also caught one of his two targets for 13 yards in the 25-17 win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: This marked another disappointing outing for Ekeler, but this time the second-year player wasn't the main back as Melvin Gordon (hamstring) handled the majority of the touches out of the backfield. After recording 13 receptions in the first four weeks of the season, Ekeler has totaled just seven in the four subsequent weeks and appears to have fallen out of favor in the passing game. He's still worth rostering in most formats, but with the majority of teams done with their bye weeks next week,…read more

Appears bound for backup role

Ekeler will likely move into the No. 2 role out of the backfield Sunday against the Seahawks with Melvin Gordon (hamstring) expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Gordon sat out the Chargers' Week 7 game against the Titans in London, allowing Ekeler to assume the starting gig for the first time all season. While the elevated role yielded Ekeler a season-high 42 offensive snaps, his output was somewhat underwhelming (12 carries for 42 yards, five receptions for 26 yards) against a tough defense. Gordon retains a questionable designation heading into Sunday's contest, but after the Chargers were on bye in Week 8 and he put in a full practice Friday, there…read more

Contained by Titans defense

Ekeler rushed for 42 yards on 12 carries, and hauled in five of seven targets for 26 receiving yards during Sunday's 20-19 win against Tennessee.

Analysis: With Melvin Gordon (hamstring) inactive, Ekeler collected 17 of 20 running back touches, but he was relatively inefficient on the ground in rushing for 3.5 yards per carry against a stingy Titans defense. The second-year man continues to command a respectable target share (3.4 targets per game), but he's been less productive on the ground of late after an electrifying start to the season. Ekeler has averaged 4.3 yards per rush over his past four outings, compared to 8.2 yards per carry through…read more

Filling in for Gordon in Week 7

Ekeler is expected to serve as the Chargers' lead back for Sunday's game against the Titans in London with Melvin Gordon (hamstring) inactive for the contest.

Analysis: Considered a game-time decision heading into the Week 7 tilt, Gordon's injured hamstring didn't respond well to an on-field workout earlier in the day, prompting the Chargers to hold him out for the first time all season. While Ekeler has already enjoyed a degree of fantasy relevance due to his outstanding play in a part-time role, he'll be a strong lineup option even in shallower formats this week with the promise of an enhanced workload. Neither of the two healthy options behind him on the…read more

Stays effective despite limited role

Ekeler rushed for 60 yards on seven carries and wasn't targeted in the passing game during Sunday's 38-14 win over Cleveland.

Analysis: Ekeler once again provided a serviceable fantasy performance with limited touches. He's racked up 56 or more scrimmage yards in every game this season despite getting seven touches three times, 10 touches twice and 14 touches once. Ekeler's role is clear ahead of a Week 7 matchup with Tennessee.

Scores touchdown in win

Ekeler carried the ball six times for 15 yards and caught a 44-yard pass for a touchdown in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Raiders.

Analysis: Ekeler yet again made his limited opportunities count, converting a frantic checkdown from Philip Rivers into a touchdown late in the second quarter, his second score in as many weeks. Ekeler's numbers will continue to be limited as long as Melvin Gordon continues to receive the lion's share of opportunities out of the backfield. Still, given the second-year halfback's role in the Chargers offense, he's a viable flex option, particularly in PPR leagues.

Finds paydirt in win

Ekeler rushed eight times for 25 yards and caught two passes for 31 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-27 win over San Francisco.

Analysis: It was a season-low yardage total for Ekeler, but he still salvaged his day with a 22-yard catch for a second-quarter touchdown. After coming into the game averaging 8.1 YPC, the 23-year-old was held to just 3.1 in this contest. He'll continue to handle change-of-pace duties behind Melvin Gordon at home against Oakland in Week 5.

Tallies 71 total yards

Ekeler carried the ball four times for 47 yards and caught all three of his targets for 24 yards in the 35-23 loss to the Rams on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: The fumble happened as Ekeler was attempting to move the chains on fourth down late in the contest, closing the door on any hope of a miracle comeback. The second-year running back was hardly featured in the passing game, but neither was Melvin Gordon as the two backs combined to catch five passes after totaling 23 receptions in the previous two games. The lack of guaranteed opportunities mutes Ekeler's explosive capabilities somewhat, but a bounceback performance could be in order against the…read more

Racks up another 98 scrimmage yards

Ekeler compiled 11 rushes for 77 yards and three catches (on three targets) for 21 yards during Sunday's 31-20 victory at Buffalo.

Analysis: As an undrafted rookie last season, Ekeler surpassed 90 scrimmage yards just once, despite cranking out 7.3 yards per touch. He hasn't been lacking for opportunity this year, though, totaling 24 touches through two games. Ekeler earned six of them after Melvin Gordon left this contest with 11:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. If Gordon's health is impacted moving forward, Ekeler would be the main beneficiary out of the Chargers backfield.

Gains 126 yards from scrimmage

Ekeler had five carries for 39 yards and caught all five of his targets for 87 yards with a touchdown in Sunday's 38-28 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Ekeler scored the first touchdown of the season for the Chargers on a 13-yard pass from Philip Rivers in the second quarter. He continued to stay involved throughout, although starter Melvin Gordon finished with 166 yards on 24 touches. The second-year Ekeler is one of the better change-of-pace backs in the league, but isn't likely to put up big numbers, unless something happens to Gordon.

Impresses in spot start

Ekeler rushed six times for 50 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's preseason game against the Saints. He also secured all three of his targets for 13 yards.

Analysis: Ekeler shined in place of Melvin Gordon, who missed Saturday's exhibition in order to tend to a personal matter. While Ekeler -- who averaged 5.5 yards on 47 carries in 2017 -- was his usual efficient self in the featured role, he still seems cemented behind Gordon on the depth chart in advance of Week 1, rendering him nothing more than a handcuff with upside if Gordon is forced to miss any time. In the Chargers' previous two preseason games, Gordon commanded 25 of 29 first-team snaps,…read more

Taking part in practice

Ekeler (calf) is present at practice Tuesday, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Ekeler was absent from the Chargers' preseason Week 2 outing against the Seahawks due to a sore calf, more so as a precaution than anything, per coach Anthony Lynn. As such, it's no surprise that Ekeler is back in the fold Tuesday, but his level of participation may still be capped with an eye toward his health. When healthy, he'll act as a pass-catching complement to Melvin Gordon.

Dealing with sore calf

Ekeler sat out of Saturday's 24-14 preseason win over the Seahawks with a sore calf, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams added that coach Anthony Lynn said Ekeler could've played if it were a regular season game, meaning the Chargers were just practicing caution with their dual-threat running back. Ekeler had 47 carries for 260 yards and two touchdowns while hauling in 27 passes for 279 yards and three scores in his rookie campaign. He's the clear handcuff to Melvin Gordon.

Has 64 total yards in preseason opener

Ekeler had five carries for 22 yards and two receptions for 42 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to Arizona.

Analysis: Ekeler looks set to begin the season as the No. 2 running back with Justin Jackson struggling with a hamstring injury. Melvin Gordon is locked in as the workhorse for early downs, but he may cede a few more snaps to Ekeler in passing situations this season.

Listed with second stringers

Ekeler is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Chargers' initial depth chart, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: As expected, Ekeler gets the nod over rookie seventh-round pick Justin Jackson, who is in danger of missing Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals due to a hamstring injury. Even if Jackson were to return in short order, Ekeler would still be a clear favorite for the backup job, coming off a rookie season with 5.5 yards per carry, 10.3 yards per catch and five touchdowns on only 74 touches. Melvin Gordon is locked in as the workhorse for early downs, but he may cede a few more snaps…read more

Ekeler faces competition for the backup role after the Chargers selected Justin Jackson in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Analysis: Jackson finished his senior season at Northwestern as the school's all-time leading rusher, earning at least 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons as a starter. He figures to be healthy competition for Ekeler after the latter's surprisingly productive rookie season. The undrafted free agent is easily the better pass-catching threat of the two, but Ekeler's diminutive stature (5-foot-9, 195 pounds) might open the door for Jackson to wiggle in as the team's No. 2 running back, similar to how…read more

Ekeler's broken left ring finger has healed, allowing him to go through a daily offseason workout regimen while completing his degree at Western State Colorado, ESPN.com's Eric Williams reports.

Analysis: Signed as an undrafted rookie last year, Ekeler earned a role on passing downs in October and made the most of his limited opportunities from that point on. He finished with 47 carries for 260 yards (5.5 average) and two touchdowns and caught 27 of 35 targets for 279 yards (8.0 YPT) and another three scores, despite being limited to special teams work while nursing a broken finger Weeks 16 and 17. Melvin Gordon has proven to be a useful receiver in his own right, but Ekeler figures to enter the…read more

Ekeler (hand) finished his rookie season with 47 carries for 260 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 27 receptions for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

Analysis: It would have been interesting to see Ekeler's final numbers if not for a broken ring finger that forced the 22-year-old to essentially miss the final two games of the regular season. Given it took until Week 7 for the undrafted rookie free agent to see more than eight touches in a game, Ekeler's final statistics were pretty remarkable. With a small frame and relatively unheralded pedigree, Ekeler doesn't project to be anything more than a multi-faceted scatback in Los Angeles. But given the…read more

Ekeler (hand) is active for Sunday's Week 16 tilt against the Jets.

Analysis: As expected, Ekeler will take the field, but the broken ring finger on his left hand will reportedly limit him exclusively to special teams work. Ekeler's expected absence from the ground game bodes well for Melvin Gordon owners heading into their championship games and should also afford Branden Oliver some touches as the change-of-pace back.

Ekeler (hand), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, is expected to play, but is unlikely to take any snaps at running back, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Ekeler will likely play through a cast on the broken hand he suffered in the Week 15 loss to the Chiefs, which makes it difficult for him to secure the football. As a result, he'll be unavailable in his usual pass-catching and change-of-pace role behind starting running back Melvin Gordon, but Ekeler will still remain a mainstay on the team's kick-coverage units. Look for Branden Oliver to instead work as Gordon's top backup.

Ekeler (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against the Jets.

Analysis: If Ekeler does take the field Week 16, a large club will be protecting the broken ring finger on his left hand. As such, his pass-catching viability is more or less not an option, making him a candidate to receive the occasional carry or two behind Melvin Gordon. More than likely, though, Ekeler will uphold his status as a gunner on the punt team. The preceding is assuming he bypasses his status as a game-time decision and avoids the inactive list Sunday.

Ekeler (hand) will likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup with the Jets, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Ekeler remained limited in practice for the second straight day Thursday, as he continues to test out his effectiveness while playing with a club to protect a broken ring finger on his left hand. Considering the ball-security issues that his cast might present, Ekeler will most likely be limited to a special-teams role if he suits up in Week 16.

Ekeler (hand) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, sporting a large cast over his broken left hand, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Judging by the size of the cast, Ekeler presumably will be limited to special teams if he's cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Jets. His role as a passing-down back is out of the question, and it also appears he'd have difficulty taking handoffs. Branden Oliver will serve as the top backup to Melvin Gordon, who could get a few extra targets with Ekeler out of the backfield rotation.

Ekeler could potentially play the rest of the season with a cast on his broken hand, but he wouldn't be able to catch passes, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: This would make more sense if not for the fact that Ekeler gets most of his playing time on passing downs. The Chargers apparently are entertaining the idea, but it still seems more likely they shut Ekeler down for the rest of the season. Branden Oliver is expected to take over as the No. 2 running back, with Melvin Gordon potentially handling a larger share of the passing-down work.

Ekeler (hand) will miss the rest of the season, Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: It isn't all that rare for someone to play with a broken hand, but it wouldn't make much sense for a running back, especially one like Ekeler who largely makes his living on passing downs. Branden Oliver will take over as the Chargers' No. 2 running back, potentially allowing Melvin Gordon to handle the majority of third-down work for the final two weeks of the season. Ekeler was impressive as an undrafted rookie in 14 games, taking 47 carries for 260 yards (5.5 average) and two touchdowns…read more

Suffers broken hand Saturday

Ekeler was diagnosed with a broken hand following Saturday's 30-13 loss to the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Ekeler picked up the injury in the second half, finishing the outing with 19 yards from scrimmage and a lost fumble. The Chargers have yet to issue a comment on Ekeler's injury, but the expectation is that the rookie running back will miss the rest of the season. His likely absences paves the way for Branden Oliver to reenter the Chargers' backfield mix as the top backup to Melvin Gordon.

Could miss time with hand injury

Ekeler suffered a hand injury in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Chiefs and could miss time as a result, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis: Ekeler was labeled as questionable to return after suffering the injury in the fourth quarter, but never earned any touches during the team's final two offensive drives. He wrapped up the outing with two carries for 13 yards and one reception for six yards, with the 19 yards from scrimmage marking his lowest output since Oct. 15 against the Raiders. More concerning than the lack of production is Ekeler's injury, which could threaten his availability for the Week 16 matchup with the Jets. The…read more

Ekeler carried the ball four times for 49 yards but did not catch any of his three targets in the 30-13 win over the Redskins on Sunday.

Analysis: Most of Ekeler's yardage came from a 33-yard run to end the second quarter as the Chargers raced out to a commanding lead early. It likely speaks to the undrafted rookie's place within the offense that the Chargers opted to use Andre Williams almost exclusively in the fourth quarter as they iced away the win, choosing to keep Ekeler healthy instead of trotting him out on the field with the game well in hand. The 22-year-old should continue to operate as the No. 2 back for the foreseeable future.

Ekeler carried the ball four times for 19 yards and also caught two of his three targets for 21 yards in Sunday's 19-10 win over the Browns

Analysis: Ekeler was efficient with his limited opportunities, yet again posting a higher yards-per-carry average (4.8) then starter Melvin Gordon (4.1), but the lack of total touches ultimately doomed his day in terms of fantasy value. As it has been for the majority of the season, the explosive backup is merely a depth option for owners so long as Gordon is healthy.

Ekeler carried the ball six times for 15 yards and also caught all three of his targets for 55 yards in the 28-6 win over the Cowboys on Thursday.

Analysis: Ekeler did most of his damage through the air Thursday, at one point splitting out wide during a critical possession in the third quarter and hauling in a 38-yard reception against an overmatched linebacker. The undrafted rookie has quietly put together an impressive campaign, but his fantasy value remains limited so long as Melvin Gordon continues to take the lion's share of the carries.

Ekeler carried six times for 40 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 54-24 victory over the Bills. He also secured both of his targets for 18 yards.

Analysis: The rushing workload between Ekeler and starter Melvin Gordon, who received 20 carries Sunday, wasn't nearly as close as it was last week when Ekeler saw 10 attempts compared to Gordon's 16. Still, Ekeler continued to showcase his quick-twitch running style by busting out a 21-yard yard touchdown run in garbage time. The undrafted rookie now has found the end zone four times in the past four weeks with five total scores on the season.