The Los Angeles Chargers will let running back Austin Ekeler give it a whirl as he attempts to return from a hamstring injury.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports L.A. plans to activate Ekeler from injured reserve this week. Pelissero does not that it's unclear whether Ekeler will be cleared to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but he will practice for the first time since being sidelined in Week 4.

This is positive news for the Chargers.

Ekeler had to be carted off the field after suffering the hamstring injury in Week 4. He was placed on IR almost immediately, and head coach Anthony Lynn hinted at the possibility he could miss the remainder of the season.

There is still a chance Ekeler needs a week or two to ramp up his activity. Still, the fact he is close to a potential return is a very good sign.

Ekeler's multidimensional skill set was on full display last year, and it led to the Chargers giving him an extension this past offseason. He essentially snatched the feature back role from Melvin Gordon, who eventually signed with the Denver Broncos.

The 25-year-old had gotten off to another strong start in 2020. Ekeler rushed for 248 yards on 5.1 yards per carry through his first three-plus games, and he also tallied 17 receptions for 144 yards. Moreover, rookie quarterback Justin Herbert was making good use of Ekeler's pass-catching abilities, as Ekeler had 11 receptions in Week 3.

This has been a rough season for Chargers fans, one plagued by injuries and close losses. But Ekeler is on the cusp of a return to action, which is an inherently positive development.