Coach Brandon Staley, who has previously been firm that Austin Ekeler is the Chargers' top running back despite their rushing struggles, hinted that changes could be coming to the Los Angeles backfield.

"Competition for carries is going to be something that you can see happening," Staley said Wednesday. "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."

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

Ekeler has been very inefficient since returning from injury, never topping 70 yards on the ground in the last eight games, and routinely finishing with less than 3.5 yards per carry. The Chargers still have an outside shot at a playoff berth, so a change makes sense.

Ekeler should still be started in fantasy leagues, but a lighter workload should push him out of high-end RB1 considerations.

Chargers officially are listing RB Austin Ekeler and S Derwin James as doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

The role that we had pegged for Joshua Kelley in Austin Ekeler's absence has not been as fruitful as most hoped, including his 12 yards on 11 attempts in Week 3. The footage of Ekeler at practice floating around was mostly just him jumping up and down, not actively participating in practice, so we'll keep an eye on his situation as the week progresses.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler, dealing with a high-ankle sprain, was back at practice for the first time in a couple of weeks. He was limited.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

The role that we had pegged for Joshua Kelley in Austin Ekeler's absence has not been as fruitful as most hoped, including his 12 yards on 11 attempts in Week 3. The footage of Ekeler floating around was mostly just him jumping up and down, not actively participating in practice, so we'll keep an eye on his situation as the week progresses.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is listed as out for Sunday.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Chargers have a very pass-friendly matchup against the Titans in Week 3, which could see them shy away from the run. Chargers running backs (namely, Joshua Kelley) averaged 2.6 yards per carry last week and switched heavily into the pass once the second half started. We should expect more of that, heavily reducing Kelley's Week 3 stock.

Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler, who missed last week’s game due to an ankle injury, is not practicing today.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Chargers have a very pass-friendly matchup against the Titans in Week 3, which could see them shy away from the run. Chargers running backs (namely, Joshua Kelley) averaged 2.6 yards per carry last week and switched heavily into the pass once the second half started. We should expect more of that, heavily reducing Kelley's Week 3 stock.

The Chargers didn’t have running back Austin Ekeler in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Titans.

Who knows when they get him back: The Chargers aren’t saying.

“No timeline on his return,” coach Brandon Staley said Monday.

Ekeler did not practice last week.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Bolts missed Ekeler as they rushed for only 61 yards on 21 carries, a 2.9 yards per carry average in Week 2. Kelley looked good in Week 1, but couldn't get anything going in Week 2, which was a tough matchup against the Titans. If Ekeler is going to miss time, Kelley will likely continue to lead the way in the backfield.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) not practicing today.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley

This is Ekeler's third straight missed practice, which is a a very strong sign that he will be quite limited, if not entirely out come Week 2's kickoff. Kelley should be considered an immediate RB2, and his upside is absolutely in the top-10 if Ekeler misses this game.

No practice again for a second straight day for Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler, who has an ankle injury.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley

The team could very well be taking extra precautions for the veteran, who very likely doesn't need to be eased into the playbook after how well he performed in Week 1. That likely doesn't ease fantasy managers' minds, but we'll find out more after Friday practices. Joshua Kelley should be rostered in every single fantasy league, regardless of Ekeler's Week 2 status after he notched 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries last week.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler injured his ankle in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.

Head coach Brandon Staley said Monday that Ekeler is day to day, with his status for Wednesday’s practice to be determined.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson

Ekeler was unable to finish Sunday’s game, finishing with 20 touches for 164 yards and a touchdown on 41 snaps. Backup Joshua Kelley played 39 snaps and had 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers chose to make Isaiah Spiller, a 2022 fourth-round pick, a healthy scratch in favor of undrafted rookie free agent Elijah Dotson, who played only one snap, the story said.

Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler will remain with the team after $1.75 million in incentives were added to his deal this season. Ekeler is set to enter the final year of the four-year, $24.5 million extension he signed in 2020.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

Despite months of trade rumor possibilities, Ekeler isn't going anywhere. The workhorse role remains his for the taking, making him a top fantasy priority.