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Austin Ekeler only played three snaps of football against the Bucs on Sunday before the injury bug struck the Chargers once again.
After attempting to shake off a would-be tackler, Ekeler’s left leg got caught up underneath him with his cleat in the grass as a defender pulled his upper-half downward, creating an obvious hyperextension of the limb.
After Monday’s MRI, it’s being reported that Ekeler sustained a “serious” hamstring injury and he’s likely to end up on IR, although no real decisions have been made regarding the matter.
#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler suffered what is considered a serious hamstring injury and while no firm decision will be made until all the analysis is done, Injured Reserve is the likely landing spot with hope of returning later in the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 5, 2020
Through the first three weeks of the season, Ekeler has been responsible for 236 rushing yards and a touchdown on top of 16 catches for 142 receiving yards. That production will be sorely missed as the offense must now turn to rookie Joshua Kelley and third-year back Justin Jackson.
Kelley is currently second on the team with 174 rushing yards and a score to go along with 84 additional yards through the air. Jackson played for the first time on Sunday since their Week 1 matchup with the Bengals. He currently has just 13 yards on eight carries this season.
Update 11:56pm: Austin Ekeler has a Grade 2 hamstring strain and will be out roughly 4-6 weeks, according to both Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter.
Following his MRI, #Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has a Grade 2 hamstring strain, source said. So, several weeks. https://t.co/yvqEDBSeLq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 5, 2020
Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury and a hyperextended knee, per source. Ekeler now seeking a second opinion on his injuries and timeline.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 5, 2020