All signs point to Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler is ready to go for Monday night’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. That is very good news for the Chargers and their offense, as Ekeler hasn’t played since Week 1.
In that game, Ekeler was highly productive and finished with 16 carries, 117 yards, one touchdown, and averaged 7.3 yards a carry. Ekeler did all of that while also injuring his ankle in that game. That injury has kept Ekeler out of action for the last five weeks, but the absence seems to be over, and the Chargers will get a much-needed boost.
Ekeler has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL since entering the league. Let’s take a closer look at Ekeler and his career so far.
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What Is Austin Ekeler’s Age?
Ekler is 28 years old and was born on May 17, 1995, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The star running back has worked for everything he has and started his NFL journey from humble beginnings.
Ekeler’s Career in Review
Coming into the NFL, Ekeler was not a highly sought-after draft prospect. He played college football at Western State and signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Ekeler fought his way onto the roster, and it didn’t take long for him to carve out a role for himself.
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
In his rookie season, Ekeler did not see many touches but was able to be a dual-threat weapon when called upon. He finished the year with 47 carries, 260 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, as well as adding 27 receptions, 279 receiving yards, and three more scores.
It was clear early on that even if Ekeler wasn’t going to be the main back carrying the ball, there were still many roles he could fill that would help the Chargers win games.
Ekeler has battled injuries throughout his career but has averaged 106 carries a year since 2018, with production and usage growing nearly every season. Through his first seven campaigns, Ekeler has carried the ball 827 times, 3,844 rushing yards, and 35 touchdowns.
However, what has separated Ekeler from the other running backs in the league is his dynamic ability to make plays in the passing game. Ekeler has been a true weapon out of the backfield for his quarterbacks, and the numbers back it up. To date, Ekeler has amassed 393 receptions, 3,495 receiving yards, and 29 touchdowns.
There are very few players at the position who are capable of making the type of impact he is able to make on any given Sunday.
