Ekeler DOES go to COVID list

The Chargers on Wednesday finally placed RB Austin Ekeler on the COVID list. The move was 1st reported Monday, but then the team didn't end up putting him on the reserve at that point. It would obviously help his chances of returning for Sunday's game against the Texans if Ekeler's window dates back to the beginning of the week. For now, we'll move ahead assuming that Justin Jackson will lead the Chargers in carries and that Joshua Kelley will follow. The Houston matchup makes both players more interesting than they'd be in just about any other spot.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler racked up 15 targets and 11 catches in Sunday's late win over the Cardinals, snagging a 1-yard TD with 15 seconds left that set up the game-winning 2-point conversion. Ekeler needed that receiving production to make up for a mere 5-20 rushing line. Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller carried 2 times apiece and combined for 4 targets. It was Kelley's 1st game since a Week 6 knee injury landed him on IR. Kelley played 6 more snaps than Spiller but also less than one-third of Ekeler's total. Next comes a generous Raiders D.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler caught just 2 passes for 17 yards in Sunday night's loss to the Chiefs, setting season lows in each category. But he carried a season-high 19 times for 83 yards (4.4 per rush) and a TD. It was Ekeler's 6th game among the past 7 with at least 1 rushing score. Isaiah Spiller followed him in the backfield, drawing 4 carries (11 yards) and 2 targets (2 catches, 11 yards) in roughly one-third of Ekeler's playing time. Sony Michel totaled just 5 snaps and converted a 3rd-and-1 with his only carry. The Chargers find positive rushing matchups each of the next 2 weeks -- but challenges beyond that -- according to our adjusted fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler tallied 18 opportunities in Sunday night's loss to the 49ers. He gained 24 yards on 6 carries and caught 7 of 12 targets for 39 more yards. It was his 2nd lowest yardage total of the year, trailing only the Week 3 loss to Jacksonville. The NBC crew said after the game that the team hopes to get Keenan Allen and/or Mike Williams back ahead of a Week 11 home date with the Chiefs. That would certainly be good for the offense on whole.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler continued his hot steak in Atlanta, posting 2 TDs and 71 total yards. He added 7 catches (20.9% target share) for a team missing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Isaiah Spiller and Sony Michel mixed in for 8 carries (vs. 14 for Ekeler), but it was Ekeler who saw all of the critical red zone work. His scores came from 1 and 2 yards out. The 27-year-old has now tallied 24+ PPR points in 5 straight. Next up -- a tough San Francisco defense that's allowed only 4 total RB scores this season.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (abdomen) is not listed on the final Week 9 injury report. He was added on Thursday and limited in practice but returned to a full workout on Friday. Ekeler will be busy vs. the Falcons this weekend with WRs Mike Williams and Keenan Allen out.