Chargers HC Brandon Staley hints at RB rotation for Austin Ekeler

Dec 07, 2023

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

Fantasy Impact:

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.

yesterday

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill officially Questionable for Week 16

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 4:44 PM EST

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal) was limited in practice today and is now questionable for Sunday vs. San Francisco.

WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) didn't practice all week and is doubtful.

Related Players: Jonnu Smith, Malik Washington, River Cracraft

Fantasy Impact:

We're assuming Hill will be fine by kickoff, but it's definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on. He's currently projected as a WR2, with Jonnu Smith possibly absorbing even more work with Waddle unlikely to see the field.

Rams TE Tyler Higbee set to make his season debut in Week 16

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 4:42 PM EST

Rams TE Tyler Higbee (knee/illness) is off the injury report and set to make his season debut Sunday vs. the Jets.

Related Players: Colby Parkinson, Hunter Long, Davis Allen

Fantasy Impact:

This is awesome news for Higbee, who had a brutal injury last January but should see the field here in Week 16. This is a complete stay-away in typical fantasy leagues, but he's an interesting target in playoff-only formats, depending on whether or not you believe the Rams will be contenders.

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo officially Out for Week 16

Mat Maiocco

yesterday · 4:39 PM EST

49ers injury report vs. Dolphins:
Out
RB Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring)
OT Trent Williams (ankle)
Questionable
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee)
DE Robert Beal (ankle)
(Approximately, 70% of the players the 49ers listed as questionable have played.)

Related Players: Patrick Taylor, Kyle Juszczyk, Israel Abanikanda

Fantasy Impact:

We're assuming Taylor will now be the next, next man up, but they also have Abanikanda, as well as Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the practice squad. Taylor should be considered somewhere in the RB3 range if Guerendo is out, but the others should just be on WW watch for now.