Los Angeles Chargers got starting running back Melvin Gordon back against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. And now, his backup, Austin Ekeler, is expected to return in Week 17 against the Denver Broncos, according to head coach Anthony Lynn (per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk).

Ekeler, who has missed the last two games while in the concussion protocol, has had a strong sophomore season. In 13 games (three starts) for the Chargers this season, he’s rushed for 496 yards on 5.1 yards per carry and also has 39 catches for 404 yards with five total touchdowns.

The Chargers offense is finally getting healthy after a string of recent injuries. Aside from Gordon and Ekeler, top wide receiver Keenan Allen was able to play against the Ravens despite a hip injury.

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Unfortunately, the presence of both Gordon and Allen wasn’t enough for the Chargers to beat the Ravens, which cost them the opportunity to leapfrog the Kansas City Chiefs for top spot in the AFC West, and more importantly, the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The Chargers still have a chance of overtaking the Chiefs in Week 17, but they must beat the Broncos and hope Kansas City suffers another stumble against the Oakland Raiders.

Ekeler’s likely return to the lineup should boost the Chargers’ chances of beating the fading Broncos, who have now lost three in a row after going down to the Raiders last week. The Chargers' second-year back had 69 yards from scrimmage on eight touches in their first meeting this season, which Denver won, 23-22.