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
NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars
LOS ANGELES — The Chargers top running back is nearing a return.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper reports it “looks like” Austin Ekeler (ankle) will practice in some capacity on Wednesday.
We may not get the Chargers’ official injury report for a few more hours, but all signs point to a limited session for the elusive back.
During his weekly “Ekeler’s Edge” podcast on the “Yahoo Fantasy Football Show” feed, the running back shared a quick but encouraging update about his health.
“Us as players, we do the most to make sure that, OK, hey, I’m doing everything to get back. So just know that, that is going on behind the scenes. I’m doing everything I can to get back, and be healthy, and not have any major setbacks. So there’s a cadence to this thing and I can’t go too fast, too slow, but just know I’m efficiently moving towards getting my a** back on the field.”
Ekeler hasn’t practiced since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, but his presence on the field Wednesday offers hope that the running could return to action Sunday against the Raiders.
The Chargers have a bye week in Week 5, so they could hold Ekeler out for one more game to give him an extended time to recover. However, if Ekeler is able to suit up, Brandon Staley will put him on the field.
At 1-2 the Chargers need another playmaker with Mike Williams now out for the year.
