The Los Angeles Chargers came up just short against the Tamp Bay Buccaneers in Week 4. Unfortunately, they also suffered a casualty in the process after running back Austin Ekeler was forced to exit the game with a leg injury.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ekeler is reportedly nursing a hyperextended knee and hamstring injury that may keep him out for the next few weeks:
Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler was spotted postgame with crutches and a brace to help him with the hyperextended knee and hamstring injury he is thought to have suffered today, per source. Ekeler will have an MRI on Monday but he is expected to miss multiple weeks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2020
There had been plenty of concern with Ekeler considering he appeared to be in a severe amount of pain when he suffered the injury and was not able to put any pressure on his leg. Although an MRI will provide more clarity on a potential timetable for his recovery, the update certainly deals a crushing blow to the offense.
Ekeler has emerged as a focal point of the offense by filling the void left by running back Melvin Gordon this offseason. He has thrived in his increased role in both the run game with 47 carries for 236 yards and the passing game with 16 receptions for 142 yards. His versatility out of the backfield has helped serve as a stabilizing factor for rookie quarterback Justin Herbert while he continues to find his rhythm.
Ekeler's absence leaves this Chargers' offense without one of its most explosive options in all phases. The onus will fall on running back Joshua Kelly to carry the load while he is sidelined. Running back Justin Jackson could also see his workload increase as the complementary option to Kelly in the coming weeks.
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