Chargers News: LA Undrafted RB Inspired by Undrafted Veteran Austin Ekeler

Could this young undrafted running back follow the steps of LA's star undrafted RB?

The Chargers are down to more than one preseason game before the start of the 2023 regular season. It will be a season filled with much anticipation, and although there are some players we know that'll be on the 53-man roster, there are still some fringe players ready to make their case against the 49ers this Friday. 

One of those players will be undrafted running back Elijah Dotson. Dotson was the league's darling after Week 1 of the preseason, as he went off for 92 yards and two touchdowns on only six carries. Week 2 was a different story as he had a less-than-impressive game, but he's still showing promise and has a shot at making the 53-man roster if he can impress in Week 3. 

The undrafted rookie from Northern Colorado is hoping to emulate LA's own undrafted running back from Colorado, Austin Ekeler. The stars could align for the undersized running backs, but if he makes it or not, Dotson is doing all he can to learn from Ekeler. 

"It's crazy how things fall into place. You can understand why Austin Ekeler is one of the top backs in the NFL, because he's so smart. And one of the things I wanted to do was try to learn the game from him."

(via Bleacher Report)

The similarities are eerie between Doston and Ekeler; both are roughly 5'9 "-5'10", both are about the same weight, both attended Colorado schools, oh and they both went undrafted. The only question is if he can replicate the type of career Ekeler has panned out for him. If Dotson stays with the Bolts and if Ekeler leaves after 2023, Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay could see it happen. 

If Ekeler does end up departing as a free agent next year, Dotson could be a prime candidate to take over a good chunk of those vacated touches. In the meantime and if he manages to crack the final roster, expect the rookie to get a token amount of touches per week as the Bolts try to see what they have in their undrafted back.

(via Bleacher Report)

A solid performance can bolster Dotson's chances, and we cannot wait to see how he responds.