The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the more fascinating teams entering the 2021 season given the emergence of quarterback Justin Herbert in his rookie season.
A huge part of the offense for the Chargers entering this year will once again be running back Austin Ekeler. Entering his 5th season in the league, Ekeler appears to be primed for a breakout season for LA.
On Thursday, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley revealed the plan for Ekeler and the preseason.
#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler WILL not play in the preseason according to Brandon Staley.
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) August 12, 2021
To clarify, Ekeler will NOT be playing in the preseason. The tweet emphasizes the word “will” making it seem as though the shifty back would be available, which isn't the case.
Article Continues BelowChargers fans need not to be worried though, as plenty of teams are or will be holding out key players from playing in the preseason.
Back in June, Ekeler appeared on SirusXM NFL Radio and talked about how giddy he was for the offense in LA and compared his usage with the Chargers to how the Saints use star running back Alvin Kamara.
“I think you see that as far as the running back position with Kamara with the Saints. They would give him the ball any way they could, and he was making plays. And it just depends on me, right? As far as, hey, if coach is going to trust me with the ball, my hands are going to make sure I make it work, make him right. So I like it, 'cause it's putting the pressure on me. I love that 'cause now I'm betting on myself to go out there and make plays. I have no doubt about that.”
Chargers fans won't be season Ekeler in the preseason but have plenty of reason to be optimistic about the production he should put up in the LA offense during the games that matter when the regular season comes into focus.