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Los Angeles Chargers Austin Ekeler has been a fantasy superstar in his career. The former undrafted free agent has finished the season as a top-six running back in three of the past four years. Last season, he was the RB1, averaging 18.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.
Ekeler was a top draft pick this season. The veteran was likely the No. 2 running back drafted behind Christian McCaffrey.
The former undrafted free agent running back was outstanding in Week 1. Ekeler scored 24.4 fantasy points against the Miami Dolphins, making him the second-highest-scoring running back heading into Monday Night Football.
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Is Austin Ekeler Injured Or Healthy?
Fantasy players were excited to see Ekeler end Week 1 with 24.4 fantasy points. He had 16 rushing attempts for 117 yards and a touchdown. The veteran added four receptions on five targets for 47 receiving yards in the loss.
Unfortunately, the former undrafted free agent suffered an ankle injury in the game. Head coach Brandon Staley said the superstar running back’s status for practice this week is unclear. However, he didn’t say Ekeler was at risk of missing the Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Hopefully, the veteran can play this week. However, Joshua Kelley will be Los Angeles’ starting running back if Ekeler can’t play.
Is Joshua Kelley A Good Fantasy Football Pickup For Week 2?
Last week, the former UCLA star had a near split in the backfield with Ekeler. Kelley had 16 rushing attempts for 91 yards and a touchdown, ending the game with 15.1 fantasy points. However, he didn’t catch his only target in the contest.
Fantasy players should make Kelley one of their top waiver wire targets this week. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys. He used a two-running back game plan featuring Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott. Don’t be surprised if Moore uses Ekeler and Kelley in a similar situation this year.
However, fantasy players shouldn’t add Kelley off the waiver wire with expectations that he will be a top-five running back in Week 2. Even if Ekeler can’t play because of the ankle injury, Kelley faces a tough matchup against the Titans.
Tennessee held Jamaal Williams to only 45 rushing yards on 18 attempts (2.5 yards per rushing attempt). The veteran running back only scored 6.2 fantasy points in Week 1.
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