The Chargers activated RB Austin Ekeler from injured reserve Saturday.

This was the expectation all week that he would be back in the lineup against the Bills. This will be Ekeler’s first action since suffering the hamstring injury back in Week 4. Good timing as Karen Ballage is dealing ankle and calf injuries of his own. Ekeler had a good week of practice after the team designated him for return on Tuesday.

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn told reporters Friday that 'there's a chance' RB Austin Ekeler plays Sunday.

If Ekeler is active, will it tie in to Ballage not playing? Is it too soon to get excited about Ekeler's return? Is this too many questions to ask?

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is practicing Wednesday as he works his way back from a serious hamstring injury.

It looks like Ekeler has a chance to suit up this week but his practice status should be monitored to ensure he does not suffer any setbacks as hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to come back from. Ekeler should immediately reclaim a large role in the Chargers backfield upon his return and will render Kalen Ballage, Justin Jackson, and Joshua Kelley pure backup options.

The Chargers plan to designate RB Austin Ekeler for return from injured reserve this week, per source.

Related players: Kalen Ballage, Joshua Kelley

Pelissero said it's not yet clear if he’ll play Sunday against the Bills, but Ekeler will practice for the first time since a significant hamstring injury in Week 4. The designated for return tag means his 21-day window will open. Ballage has been running as the lead back but Ekeler would likely jump right into that role again, making Ballage and Kelley backups.

The Chargers need Austin Ekeler back. He will inject some life into this running game. But based on Anthony Lynn’s comments this week, I would not expect Ekeler back until Week 10 at the absolute earliest.

Related players: Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley

Chargers running backs Kelley, Jackson and Troymaine Pope finished with just 47 yards on 18 carries. That is a 2.61 yards-per-carry average, the story said. Jackson and Kelley have not got it done for the Chargers, nor for fantasy owners, but it looks like the Bolts have a few more weeks to deal without Ekeler in the picture.

Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn told reporters on Wednesday that running back Austin Ekeler's hamstring strain is "serious" and he will be back "later rather than sooner."

Fantasy managers should not be expecting Ekeler to come off injured reserve when he is first eligible in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, Justin Jackson will split work with rookie Joshua Kelley while Ekeler sits out. Jackson looks like better bet for touches as he garnered 20 in Week 5 compared to Kelley's 12.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler was placed on Injured Reserve and be out until at least Week 8. The Chargers also added RB Kalen Ballage to their practice squad.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson

Ekeler's hamstring injury was deemed 'significant' when it happened, and an IR stint confirms it will cost him at least a few more weeks.

According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler's second opinion confirmed the initial timeline of 4-6 weeks of rehab.

Ekeler sought a second opinion after not being happy with his initial diagnosis and timeline but had it confirmed by a second professional. This timeframe could mean Ekeler is placed on injured reserve in the coming days. Joshua Kelley is expected to operate as the lead back in a committee with Justin Jackson, but the hot hand may end up getting more touches on any given afternoon. Kelley is our 21st ranked running back for Week 5, Jackson is our 37th.