The Los Angeles Chargers have officially placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve after he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the Chargers have also promoted Tyron Johnson to the roster and signed Kalen Ballage to the practice squad, so as to add backfield depth.

This move was merely a formality after it was revealed Ekeler would miss four to six weeks with the injury.

However, Ekeler and the Chargers did receive good news in that the injury will not require surgery, giving him the opportunity to return later this season.

Still, Ekeler's loss is a big one for the Chargers.

Los Angeles signed the versatile back to an extension after he amassed over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and totaled 11 touchdowns last season. Ekeler became a vital piece in the passing game, hauling in 92 receptions for 993 yards. He also averaged a respectable 4.2 yards per carry.

The 25-year-old was off to another good start in 2020, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and also notching 17 receptions for 144 yards. Ekeler had really seemed to establish a good rapport with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, as he hauled in all of his 15 combined targets in Weeks 2 and 3.

However, Herbert—who was recently named the team's starter going forward—and the rest of the Chargers offense will have to make do without Ekeler.

Los Angeles has lost three straight after failing to hang on after building a 24-7 lead against the Bucs last weekend, and now face a tough test against the New Orleans Saints on Monday.