Tag: Austin Ekeler

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) breaks a tackle from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey (51) stretches to break the plane for a touchdown in the second quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.The Ravens led 10-9 at halftime. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 124

RB J.K. Dobbins to visit Chargers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins is scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, his agency confirmed to ESPN.

Dobbins has been cleared for football activities after working his way back from a torn Achilles in Week 1 of last season.

Injuries have defined Dobbins’ NFL career since he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

After rushing for 805 yards and nine touchdowns in his rookie season, Dobbins missed the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. He played four games in 2022 before requiring arthroscopic knee surgery and was unavailable until Week 14.

All told, Dobbins has played just nine out of a possible 51 regular-season games over the past three seasons. He has rushed for 1,347 yards with 12 touchdowns in 24 career games.

Dobbins, 25, will see a few familiar faces during his visit with the Chargers, however. Fellow running back Gus Edwards signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with Los Angeles earlier this month, and former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman is now holding the same post with the Chargers.

Running back Austin Ekeler left the Chargers for the Washington Commanders in free agency.

Ekeler tied for the NFL lead in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in both 2021 (20) and 2022 (18) as the Chargers’ featured back. His production tailed off in 2023, when he rushed 179 times for 628 yards and five touchdowns and caught 51 passes for 436 yards and one touchdown.

–Field Level Media

Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler set to return Monday

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was removed from the team’s injury report Saturday and is set to return for Monday night’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler, who hasn’t played since gaining 117 yards in a season-opening defeat against the Miami Dolphins, has been out with an ankle injury. He has led Los Angeles in rushing in each of the previous three seasons, gaining 915 yards on 204 carries in 2022.

In seven seasons, all with the Chargers, Ekeler, 28, has gained 3,844 yards on 827 carries with 35 touchdowns. Productive in the passing game as well, Ekeler has 393 career receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 TDs.

While Ekeler is back, star edge rusher Joey Bosa remains questionable with a toe injury. Bosa, who had six tackles and three sacks in limited action over the first three games of the season, was inactive for a Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and used the bye week to make progress on his injury.

Quarterback Justin Herbert, who broke a finger on his left (non-throwing) hand during the 24-17 win over the Raiders on Oct. 1, also is off the injury report.

Chargers safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful with a heel injury. Tight end Donald Parham Jr. (wrist) is questionable, as is defensive lineman Nick Williams (back).

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler ’99 percent’ likely for Cowboys game

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The Los Angeles Chargers’ prime-time appearance Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys is likely to include the return of star running back Austin Ekeler.

Ekeler told reporters Tuesday his odds of playing the visiting Cowboys are 99 percent.

Ekeler suffered an ankle injury in the Chargers’ Week 1 loss in Los Angeles against Miami, a game in which he ran for 117 yards, scored a touchdown and caught four passes for 47 yards.

Los Angeles (2-2) was off in Week 5 and will issue its first injury report of the week on Thursday. The Chargers will seek their third consecutive victory following wins at Minnesota and at home against Las Vegas.

Ekeler, 28, is in his seventh NFL season, all with the Chargers. He led the league in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in both 2021 and 2022 (20 and 18, respectively).

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) downgraded to out vs. Titans

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The Los Angeles Chargers downgraded star running back Austin Ekeler from doubtful to out for Sunday’s game against the host Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn.

Running back Joshua Kelley likely will see an uptick in playing time in place of Ekeler, who did not practice this week after sustaining an ankle injury in Los Angeles’ 36-34 setback to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday.

Ekeler rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown and added four catches for 47 yards in the loss.

Ekeler, 28, joined the Chargers in 2017 and has 3,844 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground as well as 393 receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 scores. He has scored 39 touchdowns (26 rushing, 13 receiving) since the start of the 2021 season.

Also on Saturday, the Chargers (0-1) downgraded linebacker Eric Kendricks (hamstring) and linebacker Chris Rumph II (hamstring) from doubtful to out versus the Titans (0-1).

Los Angeles elevated outside linebacker Brevin Allen and safety Dean Marlowe from the practice squad for Sunday’s contest.

–Field Level Media

Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers’ Austin Ekeler doubtful, Joey Bosa questionable vs. Titans

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Chargers deemed starting running back Austin Ekeler doubtful and star pass rusher Joey Bosa questionable for Sunday’s game against the host Tennessee Titans.

Linebackers Daiyan Henley, Eric Hendricks and Chris Rumph II were also listed as doubtful for the game, each with a hamstring injury.

Ekeler sustained an ankle injury during the Chargers’ Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He missed practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Bosa, however, returned to practice in a limited capacity Friday after missing the previous two sessions.

Ekeler, 28, joined the Chargers in 2017 and has 3,844 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground as well as 393 receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 scores. He has scored 39 touchdowns (26 rushing, 13 receiving) since the start of the 2021 season.

Bosa, 28, a four-time Pro Bowler, has 60.5 career sacks in 85 games (80 starts) for the Chargers, dating back to the 2016 season when the franchise was located in San Diego.

The Titans ruled out cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring), who was limited in practice all week, and safety Amani Hooker (concussion), who has not practiced. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) is questionable, as is rookie offensive lineman Peter Skoronski, who popped up on Friday’s injury report with an illness.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler dealing with ankle injury

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Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury that he sustained during Los Angeles’ season-opening, 36-34 loss to the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley said Monday that Ekeler is day-to-day but his status for practice this week had yet to be determined.

Despite getting banged up against Miami, Ekeler finished with 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He also caught four passes for 47 yards.

Ekeler, 28, racked up 915 yards and 13 TDs on the ground last season, both of which were career highs. He also hauled in the most receptions of his career (107) for 722 yards and five scores.

Ekeler has only played for Los Angeles. He is currently in his seventh NFL season.

The Chargers are set to face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville in Week 2. Should Ekeler be unable to play, Los Angeles likely would lean heavily on Joshua Kelley, who rushed 16 times for 91 yards and a TD against the Dolphins.

–Field Level Media

Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (32) during the first quarter of a wild card game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Chargers’ Austin Ekeler gets incentives added to deal

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler agreed to a revised contract that adds $1.75 million in incentives to his deal this season, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Ekeler was set to make $6.25 million in 2023, the final season of his four-year, $24.5 million contract.

Ekeler, 28, had requested a trade earlier this offseason and went so far as to tell SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio’s Fantasy Dirt show last month that he deserves more pay and that the Chargers aren’t playing ball.

“I kinda got punched in the face when the Chargers basically said, ‘Hey we don’t want to talk about extensions anymore,’” Ekeler said at the time. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is the first time in my career with them that I felt disrespected by my own organization.’”

Ekeler has a combined 1,826 yards rushing and 1,369 receiving yards on 177 catches over the last two seasons. His 3,195 yards from scrimmage are third in the NFL in that span, and his 38 total touchdowns over the past two seasons — 20 in 2021, 18 in 2022 — lead all running backs.

The former undrafted free agent has gained 7,175 yards from scrimmage and scored 63 touchdowns in 89 games (54 starts) over six seasons with the Chargers.

–Field Level Media

Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a wild card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Ekeler says Chargers ‘disrespected’ him

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Austin Ekeler says the Los Angeles Chargers won’t back up what he brings to the team with a new contract.

Due to make $6.23 million in 2023 in the final season of his four-year, $24.5 million contract, he told SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio’s Fantasy Dirt show on Tuesday that he deserves more pay and that the Chargers aren’t playing ball.

“I kinda got punched in the face when the Chargers basically said, ‘Hey we don’t want to talk about extensions anymore,’” Ekeler said. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is the first time in my career with them that I felt disrespected by my own organization.’”

Over his past two seasons with the Chargers, the running back has a combined 1,826 yards rushing and 1,369 receiving yards on 177 catches. His 3,195 yards from scrimmage are third in the NFL in that span, and his 38 total touchdowns over the past two seasons — 20 in 2021, 18 in 2022 — lead all running backs.

And he wants to be paid like one of the top backs in the league.

His annual average salary of $6.125 million puts him 14th in the NFL in running back pay — nearly $10 million less than Christian McCaffrey’s $16.015 million, according to Spotrac. In all, 10 running backs make more than $10 million.

Forty wide receivers will earn a higher salary the Ekeler in 2023.

As a result of their standoff, the Chargers granted Ekeler, 27, permission to seek a trade last month.

“The fact that there’s such a huge drop-off when it comes to the running back market just doesn’t make any sense,” Ekeler said. “We’ve got No. 3 receivers that are going to catch four balls a game, have 600 or 700 yards of offense, score four touchdowns and get $8 or $9 million a year … I got 1,600 (scrimmage) yards, I got 18 touchdowns and I can’t get above $6 million (a year)?”

While a trade isn’t his No. 1 option, he said he’d like to play for a team that values his contributions.

“It really doesn’t come down to the logo, it’s really just the commitment to having me in their long-term plans,” he said. “Worst case scenario out of all this, I’ll come back and play for the Chargers and bet on myself and be a free agent next year.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers give RB Austin Ekeler permission to seek trade

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The Los Angeles Chargers granted running back Austin Ekeler’s request to seek a trade, his agent said Tuesday.

Agent Cameron Weiss confirmed the information to ESPN, which reported the two sides failed to make progress on a new contract.

Ekeler, 27, is scheduled to make $6.25 million this season, the final year of a four-year contract he signed in 2020.

The former undrafted free agent led the NFL in touchdowns from scrimmage in each of the past two seasons.

Ekeler rushed for 915 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 107 passes for 722 yards and five scores in 17 starts last season.

He has gained 7,175 yards from scrimmage and scored 63 touchdowns in 89 games (54 starts) over six seasons.

–Field Level Media

Dec 12, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) reacts during the game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers add Austin Ekeler, Jalen Guyton to COVID-19 list

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Chargers officially placed running back Austin Ekeler on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, while wide receiver Jalen Guyton also was designated to the list.

The Chargers now have 11 players on the reserve/COVID list, with multiple reports saying that Sunday’s road game against the Houston Texans is on schedule to be played.

Ekeler was reported to be headed to the list earlier this week, along with defensive end Joey Bosa. On Monday, the Chargers ruled Bosa out for Sunday, but Ekeler was not officially put on the list until Wednesday.

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday that he is hopeful Ekeler and Guyton both will end up playing Sunday.

Along with Ekeler, Guyton and Bosa, other Chargers players on the reserve/COVID list include center Corey Linsley, quarterback Chase Daniel, cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, linebacker Chris Rumph, defensive back Kemon Hall, wide receiver Andre Roberts, defensive end Joe Gaziano and safety Trey Marshall.

The Texans added three players to the reserve/COVID list Wednesday and now have 18 players listed. Players added Wednesday included wide receiver Brandin Cooks, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn and linebacker Eric Wilson.

–Field Level Media