I left Kimani Vidal off my 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of the preseason. My grade at that stage was “incomplete.” He had missed a week of practice, including the joint session with the Rams, before not playing in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks. You have to earn your spot in the NFL, and that will especially be the case under Harbaugh. Vidal had a strong week of practice last week. He followed that up with a solid performance in his first game action. I have moved him ahead of Isaiah Spiller and onto the 53-man in my running projection.

Related players: Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson

If you remember, we reported on this a few weeks ago when this writer left Vidal off the team's 53-man roster. Vidal was at least a popular dynasty selection up to this point, given the Chargers state at RB. However, Vidal looks to be making a move up the depth chart with solid, recent practices and preseason game showing. Edwards and Dobbins appear to be leading the way at the position with Patterson also having a nice camp. Vidal looks like he still has a lot of work to do to at least be the team's RB3.

Jaret Patterson has impressed the coaching staff, and he appears to have grasped the RB3 role right now.

Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

Much like they did in Baltimore, Edwards and Dobbins will look to form the 1-2 punch. While Patterson seems to be in the lead for the RB3 role, the author of this story seems to think rookie sixth rounder Vidal could be left off the roster. He said of the four backs competing behind Edwards and Dobbins, Patterson has gotten the most reps with the first team in practice. He was also the first running back in the game Saturday, ahead of both Spiller and Dotson. The story went on to say Vidal was in uniform for warmups but did not dress for the game. Vidal has also been dealing with an injury and missed four full days of practice earlier this month, according to the story, including the joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. The author ended by saying this competition is still wide open and things could change by the end of camp.

Former Ravens RB Gus Edwards reached an agreement on a two-year deal with the Chargers. Edwards now will be reuniting with former Ravens and current Chargers assistant Greg Roman.

Related Players: Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson

Edwards should easily be considered the most talented back on the Chargers roster at this point, and would likely hold down that role regardless of the team's draft plans. L.A. has plenty of holes to fill, which should leave Edwards with nominal competition. He should be considered an RB3 as it stands.

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.