Chargers place Austin Ekeler on IR, sign RB Kalen Ballage to practice squad

On Friday afternoon, the Chargers announced a trio of roster transactions, headlined by the placement of running back Austin Ekeler on IR. He will be eligible to return after Week 8.

In a corresponding move, the Bolts promoted wide receiver Tyron Johnson to the active roster. Last week against Tampa Bay, Johnson was chosen as one of the two extra players to be activated for game day and instantly rewarded the team by scoring a 53-yard touchdown in the first quarter on his first professional reception. Head coach Anthony Lynn has often discusses finding some speed to add to the offense, and Johnson showed his wheels by getting behind the safeties on a beautiful deep shot by Justin Herbert.

In a move to fill Johnson’s void on the practice squad, the Chargers are signing former Dolphins and Jets running back Kalen Ballage to the practice squad. Ballage has appeared in three games this season, all with the Jets, and has recorded just three carries for 13 yards. In the passing game, he’s chipped in nine catches for 67 yards.

Ballage played collegiately for Arizona State, where he’s infamously scored eight touchdowns in one game back in 2016 against Texas Tech. His career stats in the NFL include 113 carries for 339 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 32 catches for 186 receiving yards.