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COVID and the Omicron variant are rampaging through the NFL. However, the change in COVID protocols over the last few days has allowed players to return from the COVID list much faster than before. The Chargers are among many teams that are likely thankful for the new COVID guidelines.
Austin Ekeler was placed on the COVID list on Christmas Eve and was forced to miss the Chargers' Week 16 game against the Texans. Is Austin Ekeler going to play this week in Week 17? Is Justin Jackson still a viable start for fantasy football managers?
Let's take a look at the Chargers running backs situation for Week 17 and the fantasy football championships.
Is Austin Ekeler Playing This Week Against the Broncos?
Austin Ekeler received some coal in his stocking on Christmas Eve when he was placed on the COVID list, and was forced to miss last week's game. Fortunately, the star running back got some good news a few days later and he has now been activated off the COVID list ahead of the Week 17 game agains the Broncos.
There has been no indication that Ekeler suffered from any symptoms during his brief time on the COVID list, so there should be no limitations moving forward.
Is Austin Ekeler Starting In Week 17 Against the Broncos?
It has been well documented that players coming off the COVID list have their snaps fall a touch their first game back. That said, the Chargers are in desperation mode and are in a must-win situation for the remainder of the season. That should lead us to believe that Ekeler will see a full workload as they push one of their best offensive players to his limits.
Should I Start Austin Ekeler or Justin Jackson in Week 17?
We should expect to see Austin Ekeler see a full workload in Week 17 as the Chargers need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Broncos rush defense ranks 23rd in DVOA while the Chargers run offense ranks 12th in DVOA. The matchup is pretty good for Ekeler and the workload should be there. Ekeler is an RB 1 heading into Week 17.
If Ekeler misses the game for some reason, Justin Jackson would become a workhorse as we saw in Week 16. Obviously, the talent level isn't quite the same as Ekeler but Jackson would rise to a low-end RB1/high-end RB2.
Assuming Ekeler plays with no restrictions this week, it will be very tough for fantasy managers to start Justin Jackson in the championship game. He could have low-end FLEX value, but it would be a big risk to take.
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