Austin Ekeler's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team would like to retain running back Austin Ekeler, who will officially become a free agent in March. "If things go well, it's going to be because of guys like Austin Ekeler and the players," Harbaugh said. "I like Austin Ekeler. We're going to have a huge emphasis on the run game, and we gotta block better up front. He's a tremendous back and we'd love to have him on the team next year." The 28-year-old back was one of fantasy's biggest busts in 2023, rushing for just 628 yards and five touchdowns on 179 carries while catching 51 passes for 436 yards and one receiving TD in 14 games in 2023. Ekeler could have a shot to bounce back in 2024 in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's run-friendly scheme in LA if he returns, but either way, fantasy managers won't be taking the leap on Ekeler in the first round this fall.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was terrible again in a Week 18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Ekeler likely ends his Chargers career with an awful performance against mostly Chiefs backups. He ran the ball 10 times, gaining 11 yards total on the ground. He was targeted eight times in the passing game, making seven catches for 38 yards through the air. This wraps up Ekeler's worst season by far and likely his last as a Charger. His days as a three-down back are clearly done, but his track record is good enough that someone will certainly take a chance on him as a third down or change of pace back for next season. He'll be much further down draft boards than he was before this season regardless of his landing spot, and any dynasty league managers rostering him should try to get whatever they can for him now.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will look to stop his slide and end the season on a high note in a Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ekeler has had a very bad season, scoring just one touchdown in his past seven games and "earning" Pro Football Focus' worst grade among all NFL running backs since Week 6. In what is likely Ekeler's last game as a Charger and almost certainly his last game as a three-down back, he's an RB3.