The Chargers’ offense has struggled to find an effective run-pass balance this season despite the team’s decision to retain running back Austin Ekeler. The contract-year back has not had a productive campaign though, and a change in workload could be coming. 
Ekeler requested a trade this offseason, one in which the running back position saw its market value continue to dwindle. No suitors emerged, and the 28-year-old agreed to an adjusted contract which included performance-based incentives. That set him up for free agency in 2024, and put pressure on him to deliver a strong season in advance of hitting the open market.
Instead, the former UDFA has struggled. After leading the league in total touchdowns each of the past two seasons, Ekeler has only found the end zone five times in 2023. His yards per carry average sits at 3.5, the lowest of his career. With the Chargers averaging just 98 yards per game on the ground, a shift to more of a committee approach could be on the horizon.
“Competition for carries is going to be something that you can see happening,” head coach Brandon Staley said when speaking on the subject, via ESPN’s Kris Rhim. “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.”
Ekeler has averaged 14 carries per game, the most of his career. His 126 attempts comfortably leads the team, though backup Joshua Kelley has received 94 totes. The latter is thus on pace to set a new career-high in usage, and he would represent the likeliest candidate to see an increased workload in the coming weeks if a change does take place. Like Ekeler, Kelley is a pending free agent.
Still, the former should be counted on as a focal point of the Chargers’ offense, a unit which has dealt with injuries at the receiver position. The impending return of Josh Palmer will help in that regard, but a late playoff push would be greatly boosted by a return to form on Ekeler’s part. He still has a degree of confidence from the coaching staff based on Staley’s remarks.
“We know that Austin is a good running back,” Staley added. “We just haven’t found any rhythm in the last couple of weeks in the run game. Just need to keep after it and keep working hard in practice.”
2024 he should sign with Eagles
The misery isn’t the players it’s the wacked offense of Moore. Nothing seems in synch, WRs not crisp in routes, minimal holes for RBs and poor protection for QB.
Could be all the ‘talk’ about coaching change, player injuries causing a defeatist attitude?
Those that should know the ‘why’ aren’t divulging any intelligent thoughts, just same old blah, blah
There’s a good chance it is just genuine decline from Ekeler. Bell was about done at 28 years old, Zeke is 28 and already done as well. Early to mid 20’s is the prime for RB’s now.
Look no further than Josh Jacobs and his performance since Hoodie Jr was allowed to pursue other opportunities.
Feels like he was complaining about RB contracts just yesterday.
It’s funny how all these guys who weren’t happy with their role and turned down money almost all aren’t doing well this year. They want teams to treat them and pay them a certain way yet they don’t provide the results. Take life changing money ASAP if you play running back and can get $10 mil a year for 3-4 years take it. Don’t complain about $15.
Why reduce Ekler?
It should be Brandon Staley who should be reduced
He will be soon. If Staley isn’t the first coach fired at the end of the season, he’ll surely be the second.
At least the LT Chargers would let you down in the playoffs. These guys can barely get into the thing. Media wants you to think Herbert is a 2nd coming but he really isn’t all that. Too big to be throwing the ball low and getting batted.
Herbert sucks. He’s just being paid because of his draft status, not NFL wins.
I wouldn’t say he sucks . He’s better than half the league for sure. He just isn’t great .
Herbert is 30-31. He may not suck, rather average.
If the Antonio Pierce led Raiders had Herbert as a QB….
Think about it.
Thought it over. Pierce won’t land the HC gig in Vegas.
Herbert is great. He just has bad coaching and his WR drop a ton of passes.
Want to bet? Justin will never be a .750 winning QB career wise. No matter the team, offensive players, coaches etc. He’s average. His record says so.
It’s clear that Chargers are looking to the next draft and evaluating the RB and WR stable. I don’t think they have a 2024 RB starter in that room. There’s been rumors the team has been preparing for life after Mike Williams and likely Keenan.
With Herbert now injured and season burnt toast I’d prefer to see the game against LV feature both Stick and Duggan to see who should be QB #2. There’s always the possibility that QJ might be able to find ‘catching balls’ easier with his college QB.
Telasco is the problem. He is the one that can’t find the right head coach. Herbert is constantly dealing with injuries to his wr’s and a bad offensive line. The teams record is not his fault;it is Telasco’s.