Chargers' bitter rival tries out Austin Ekeler's brother during minicamp

The Denver Broncos have made a habit of signing former LA Chargers running backs, most recently signing J.K. Dobbins to a one-year deal. Denver isn't stopping there, though, as being the brother of a former Chargers running back is also enough to get interest from Denver.

Austin Ekeler didn't follow in Melvin Gordon's footsteps nor proceeded Dobbins as he signed with the Washington Commanders after his long stint with the Chargers. However, his brother could ensure that Denver still gets an Ekeler on the roster if he impresses the team during training camp.

Ekeler's younger brother, Wyett Ekeler, is one of seven players the Broncos are hosting on a minicamp tryout this week. Ekeler is looking to impress Sean Payton enough to get an invitation to training camp, where he hopes to follow in his brother's footsteps as an undrafted free agent.

Austin Ekeler's brother tries out with the Broncos

While Wyett Ekeler is looking to follow in his brother's footsteps as an undrafted free agent, he is not following in his brother's footsteps as a running back. Ekeler is a safety and will look to make an NFL roster with his special-teams value.

Austin was able to secure a roster spot with the Chargers after a stellar preseason in which he could not be denied. Before long, Ekeler was a change-of-pace back behind Gordon before eventually turning into the NFL's best touchdown scorer.

The same path to prominence may not exist with his brother, but there is a chance to carve out a roster spot in the NFL. Special-teams value is the main qualifier for back-of-roster players and for the majority of practice-squad players. That is Ekeler's in.

If Ekeler does impress the Broncos enough to stick around, then Chargers fans won't have any problems booing him. His brother left Los Angeles on uneasy terms after a failed contract extension led to a failed trade request, which also included some perceived pot shots at Justin Herbert.

There is a world in which the Chargers play both Ekeler brothers during the 2025 season. In addition to playing the Broncos twice a year, the Chargers also host the Washington Commanders in Week 5.