Los Angeles Chargers starting running back Austin Ekeler will be headed to injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
Unlike most hamstring injuries that end up being minor strains, it appears that Ekeler’s injury is a bit more serious and will keep him out of action for at least a month. According to reports, Ekeler suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the first quarter of the Chargers Sunday game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ekeler only had two carries in the game for 12 yards and caught one pass for two yards before having to exit the game.
The Chargers had to rely on Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson in the backfield, neither of whom was able to do much against a stout Buccaneers run defense.
The leading rusher for the Chargers ended up being quarterback Justin Herbert, who rushed for 14 yards on five scrambles.
Since neither running back was able to put together quality runs in Ekeler’s absence, it’s hard to tell who will be starting next week, though it will most likely be Kelley’s job to lose.
Both teams relied on their passing games on Sunday, with the Chargers coming up short in the shootout, losing by a score of 38-31.
