Chargers RB Troymaine Pope is doubtful for Week 9's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to the team's Twitter account.

Related Players: Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley

Pope had one good week and now appears to be an afterthought with a concussion. The backfield situation clears up with Pope doubtful.

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 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.

A report earlier Monday indicated Chargers running back Austin Ekeler would miss multiple weeks with his injuries. A new report puts the prognosis at 4-6 weeks.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Ekeler is seeking a second opinion on his hamstring injury and hyperextended knee and the timeline doctors have given him.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson

Ekeler played only three offensive snaps Sunday and had three touches for 14 yards. Meanwhile, Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley handled the running back duties after Ekeler’s injury Sunday. It's likely Kelley gets the larger workload going forward, but Jackson will be a factor as well.

Running back Justin Jackson suffered a quad injury Sunday, which opened the door for rookie Joshua Kelley, who had entered the game as the third running back on the depth chart.

“When my number gets called, I have to make the most of my opportunities,” Kelley said after the game.

Related players: Austin Ekeler

Kelley was a star at camp and many felt he would open as the team's RB2 behind Ekeler, but instead it was Jackson. But door is likely open for Kelley now. Kelley broke off a 26-yard run on his third carry of the game. He finished the game with 60 yards on 12 carries and scored the Chargers’ lone touchdown when he capped a 10-play, 55-yard drive with a 5-yard run. Kelley also showed his strength and physicality, the story all said. It's a situation to watch for those who want to handcuff Ekeler.

Justin Jackson is ruled out to retake the field Sunday against Cincinnati due to a quad injury.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley

Rookie fourth-round pick Kelley stands to see increased touches as long as Jackson remains sidelined, the story said. Kelley likely seemed to be the RB2 behind Ekeler entering Week 1, and ended with 12 carries, 60 yards and a TD in a win over the Bengals.

Chargers Rookie RB Joshua Kelley may have surpassed Justin Jackson as the team's number two back according to Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register. Manzano also mentions both backs may get snaps as a committee if Austin Ekeler sees time in the slot with the injury to WR Mike Williams.

The Chargers offense is in flux with a lack of proven wide receivers, but the versatility of the backfield may make multiple running backs fantasy-relevant. Stay tuned as Week 1 approaches.