The 26.4 fantasy points Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler scored in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins feel like forever ago for fantasy football managers who invested a first-round pick in last year’s overall RB1.
Will his ankle cost him to miss another week of NFL action in Week 4? Let’s take a closer look.
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Latest Injury News Surrounding Austin Ekeler
Ekeler has missed the past two weeks with an ankle injury but has managed to get back on the practice field heading into the team’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday.
Austin Ekeler is doubtful for Sunday's game #Chargers
Joey Bosa is questionable
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) September 29, 2023
Despite logging limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday and appearing on the practice field again on Friday, Ekeler is officially doubtful for Sunday’s game.
Will Ekeler Play This Week?
Ekeler did not practice at all last week before ultimately being ruled out against the Minnesota Vikings. And while his limited participation in practice throughout the week certainly felt like a good sign for his availability in Week 4, his doubtful designation on the injury report certainly doesn’t leave a ton of room for optimism.
What Does This Mean for Ekeler’s Fantasy Ranking?
Ekeler’s elite production over the past few seasons means he is a must-start when he is active.
Sure, there are some potential concerns with inserting him directly back into your fantasy lineup.
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Could he aggravate the injury early in the game? Yes.
Could his efficiency plummet if he is on the field but not at 100 percent? Yes.
Could he see a reduced role to help limit his exposure to aggravating the injury? Possibly.
However, we have seen what Joshua Kelley looks like as a feature back in this offense … the results have been very underwhelming.
If Ekeler is active, put him in your fantasy lineup without hesitation.
But with his status currently doubtful for Sunday, I would expect to see Kelley leading this Chargers backfield again in Week 4.