The Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) and Minnesota Vikings (0-2) are both going into what feels like a “must-win” this week. Even though we are only entering Week Three of the 2023 season, neither one of these teams expected to start 0-2.
If the Chargers want to get in the win column on the road in Minnesota, they are going to have to do so without one of their best offensive players.
Los Angeles Chargers Lose Austin Ekeler For Week Three Vs. The Minnesota Vikings
According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic:
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is out for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury, the team announced Friday afternoon. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ekeler left L.A.’s 36-34 Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins late in the fourth quarter with the injury after rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
- The 28-year-old back didn’t practice in Week 2 and was ruled out of Sunday’s loss to the Titans.
- Ekeler did not practice in Week 3.
- Linebacker Eric Kendricks has also been ruled out of Sunday’s game.
For the second straight week, Joshua Kelley will be the starting running back. Against the Titans last week, Kelley had 39 rushing yards on 13 carries. Jeffery Simmons of the Titans is arguably the best defensive tackle in the NFL. Throughout the game, the Tennessee defense dominated the line of scrimmage. According to TruMedia, the Vikings are 31st in the league in defensive success rate on designed rushes, so they do not pose the same challenges as Tennessee.
Offense coordinator Kellen Moore should have a chance to get the rushing attack back on track.Against the Dolphins, the Chargers led the league in rushing.In that game, Kelley rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries.As a result of Ekeler’s absence last week, rookie Elijah Dotson played nine snaps and second-year back Isaiah Spiller played four.