Los Angeles Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler is dealing with a minor ankle injury. He hasn’t missed any games this season, playing in each of the Chargers’ 12 contests. He popped up on the injury report early in the week, recording a pair of limited practices over the last few days. Will Ekeler take the field in Week 14, and what should fantasy football managers do if he is to miss?
Austin Ekeler’s 2021 production
Ekeler’s enjoyed an elite season for the Chargers. He’s posted 663 yards with 8 touchdowns in 149 carries. He’s also added 56 receptions for 518 yards and 7 touchdowns on 71 targets through 12 games.
Through 13 weeks, he’s the RB2 in PPR fantasy formats, averaging 21.7 points per game.
He’s been a workhorse throughout the season, playing 67% of Los Angeles’ snaps. Ekeler’s played 58% or more of the snaps in every game this year. He’s also played in at least 67% of the offensive snaps in every contest since LA’s bye week.
Ekeler looked completely healthy last week, playing 73% of the snaps against the Cincinnati Bengals. He ran for 59 yards and a touchdown in Week 13 while adding 5 receptions for 45 yards.
Is Ekeler playing this weekend?
Although Ekeler was dealing with an ankle injury, he looks to be fine for Week 14. He practiced in a limited fashion to end the week. Ekeler was also taken off of the injury report and doesn’t have any type of designation heading into this weekend. He’ll continue his workhorse role, contributing in every facet of the game.
Yet, if the Chargers did want to give Ekeler some rest for his ankle, this would be a great week, as they should have very little trouble with the New York Giants. Ekeler should see plenty of carries in the second half as the Chargers waste the clock. It’s also promising that he doesn’t have an injury designation heading into the game. Nevertheless, there is the possibility that Los Angeles could give him a few drives off later in the game if they have a comfortable lead.
Who would benefit in fantasy if Ekeler is out?
The Chargers backfield has been somewhat of a revolving door throughout the season. Larry Rountree and Justin Jackson saw snaps early in the season, with Joshua Kelley taking over later on.
Jackson was the clear backup last week, though. He was the only other running back besides Ekeler to see any offensive snaps. Overall, he played a season-high 15 offensive snaps against the Bengals and recorded a season-high 6 rush attempts.
It isn’t clear if Los Angeles would use one running back as a workhorse if Ekeler were to miss time.
Jackson would be the biggest beneficiary for fantasy football, as he’d likely draw the start and take over the majority of the work. He’d be the safest option of the group with the highest ceiling.