Are the Chargers Making a Mistake By Making Austin Ekeler RB2?

Will a new RB1 emerge for the Bolts soon?

With five games left in the season, it's crunch time for your Los Angeles Chargers. They started the month of December off right, ending their three-game skid and capturing the win over the New England Patriots. 

The Bolts sit at 5-7, and with plenty of football left, they still control their own destiny, for the most part, as of now. However, the Chargers aren't done making some internal moves, as head coach Brandon Staley announced Chargers RB2 Joshua Kelley will see an increased role as the season winds down. 

This is somewhat of a surprise when you consider the team still has these types of competitions this late into the season. Charger fans don't seem to like the idea. 

Uhh. Brandon... You have 5 games left and you are still trying to figure carries out. Smh. Trainwreck. Tik tok Brandon.

— PJBolts⚡ (@PJChargers) December 7, 2023

Still having position battles this late in the season, nice lol

— jack (@kcaj_backwards) December 7, 2023

Ekeler looks washed, but Kelley is also atrocious. Good thing Quentin has looked so electric this year. And people blame Herbert lol

— Chris Murino (@Cmurino84) December 7, 2023

The truth of it is Austin Ekeler has looked like a shell of himself. 

Outside of his spectacular Week 1 performance against the Dolphins, Ekeler has been atrocious. He has failed to rush for over 70 yards and has only totaled 100 scrimmage yards twice since returning from his ankle sprain outside of Week 1. 

Ekeler hasn't been able to find his groove all season long, which makes it easier for Staley and his staff to move on to Kelley. Kelley hasn't been any better, though. The 26-year-old back isn't heavily involved in the passing game like Ekeler, and his season-high rushing was 75 yards, thanks to a 49-yard run against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

He's currently averaging 5.1 carries since Ekeler's return in Week 6. It's clear the Bolts need some change in their offense when it comes to their backfield, and maybe a split in time could be the best for the team. 

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