Chargers News: Bolts Expert Advocates for Reduced Involvement of Austin Ekeler

Can the Bolts afford to dial back the workload of their star RB?

We're less than two weeks from the start of training camp, Charger fans. All the preparation and dedication these players have put all their efforts toward will be displayed soon. 

Your Los Angeles Chargers are primed for a big season, and at the end of the day, it will come down to the players to execute. The Bolts have the personnel to get the job done; they have one of the most explosive and exciting QBs in the game, the best wide receiving core in the game, and possibly the best running back in the NFL, Austin Ekeler. 

Ekeler is coming off two great back-to-back individual seasons, establishing himself among the best players in the game. He's been a big part of the Chargers' success, and we can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in 2023. However, could we see the same type of dominance from Ekeler for the third season in a row? 

There's no doubt he will be ready for that type of workload again, but will it be necessary? Chargers expert from the Chargers Unleashed podcast Daniel Wade believes LA needs to dial back on the workload for Ekeler. 

"Last year, you look at the 107 receptions for Austin Ekeler. I don't think that is really healthy for this offense. I don't think that's efficient for this offense. I wouldn't be pissed at all if you see that number going down to like 70. Take away 40 of those and give them to Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Please!" 

Less Austin Ekeler Actually HELPS #Chargers Offense | MASSIVE Improvement In Passing Game? 🚀 pic.twitter.com/buW9Ghfe2c

— Chargers Unleashed (@LAC_Unleashed) July 10, 2023

There's no doubt that Ekeler should be receiving the same type of workload this season; however, the key to that is health. Williams and Allen missed a combined 11 games in 2022, so of course, you're going to rely more on Ekeler when they are out. 

Health will be key for the Bolts, as they suffered a ton of them last season. That cannot be the case this season; LA must be healthy, your best ability is your availability; and if they are, then Wade and many other Charger fans don't need to worry about the uptick on Ekeler. 

All eyes will be on the Charger offense for many different reasons. We'll see how they respond and if they can stay on the field for the majority of the season.