Chargers News: Joshua Kelley Quickly Becoming Fantasy Football Question Mark
Upon learning that Austin Ekeler would miss their contest on the road in Tennessee due to an ankle injury, former UCLA Bruins running back Joshua Kelley had the chance to step into a big role for both the Los Angeles Chargers and fantasy managers.
With Kelley largely unable to get much going on the ground with under 40 yards in 13 carries, many are beginning to wonder about his place in the Bolts' backfield and on their fantasy rosters, even with the opportunity to be the lead back for the near future. Tim Martens of Pro Football Network has more.
"So far this season, Kelley has had more opportunities than ever before. In the first week of the season, he saw 16 carries and tallied 91 yards and a touchdown. Kelley did this while only being in on 48% of the Chargers’ offensive snaps. This seemed like Kelley may finally be breaking out and becoming a usable asset for fantasy managers. With Week 2’s news that Ekeler was out of the lineup with an ankle injury, Kelley earned the second start of his career. He was in on 79% of the Chargers’ offensive snaps, and his production did not reflect a breakout. Kelley was facing off against a tough Tennessee Titans defense, but the output was less than exciting for fantasy managers."
via Tim Martens, Pro Football Network
An increase in workload was beneficial for Kelley in week 1, but against a better Titans defense compared to the Dolphins', the UCLA alum struggled in yet another similar chance to impress in another loss.
Even as Ekeler's absence remains without a timeline, Kelley's spot on fantasy rosters may come into question if his production both on the field and in lineups for fantasy teams continues to slip below expectations.
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