The Los Angeles Chargers have established that their offense this year has struggled to fire on all cylinders. QB Justin Herbert has once again failed to take the next step in becoming the franchise’s cornerstone quarterback. While Herbert has been a major concern, what is equally perplexing to fans has been the struggling running game for the Chargers. Going all the way back to Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers have had excellent running backs so what has changed this season?
Chargers HC Staley suggests carry limit on Fantasy Star
The Los Angeles running game has been incapable of building any momentum this season as the team has struggled to put a consistent product on the field. The team ranks 25th on the ground which (as previously stated) is unheard of given the history of LA’s backfield. Head Coach Brandon Staley has decided to make a change at how he manages the running back position going forward:
Staley spoke to reporters on Wednesday on the matter: “Competition for carries is going to be something that you can see happening. We’re going to keep exploring, making adjustments, so that we can find that rhythm that I’ve been talking about. That’s certainly one way to do it.”
Los Angeles has managed the past several seasons with elite dual-threat running back Austin Ekeler being the number one option in the backfield. In that span, fantasy managers have thrived with Ekelers ability to rack up scrimmage yards with gusto, being one of the best receiving options in the league at the running back position. Clearly, from what Staley has said, things are going to change in Los Angeles from here on out.
Josh Kelley’s emergence as a Charger
The problem has been that this season, Ekeler has failed to even tally 500 rushing yards as the Chargers offense has become completely one dimensional. Ekeler also only has 100 more rushing yards than backup running back Joshua Kelley, who appears to be in line to take a much larger portion of the carries moving forward.
While usually an incredibly consistent cog in any fantasy lineup, Ekeler currently ranks 27th at the running back position in standard formats as he is averaging under 10 points per contest for the first time in years. To add to his misery, Ekeler is poised to face a Broncos front seven that has dramatically improved as the season has moved along.
Will Ekeler remain with Chargers after the season?
To add to the misery of any legacy-format fantasy teams who hold Ekeler on their roster, the star running back is poised to become a free agent again this off-season. Given the situation of running backs throughout the league, it is unlikely that Los Angeles will retain the shifty runner for any sizable contract. It is possible then that he could end up on another team with a far less favorable offense for his abilities.
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