Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler out for week 2 vs Tennessee Titans

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Suzanne Halliburton | Last updated 9/16/23

Running back Austin Ekeler, a key component to the potent Chargers offense, is out for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.

The Chargers downgraded Ekeler from doubtful to out on Saturday’s injury report. It’s probably not a surprise, given that Ekeler didn’t practice this week because of the ankle injury he suffered in the Chargers season-opening loss to the Dolphins. Plus, Ekerler’s agent, Cameron Weiss, died this week of cancer. He was only 38.

Ekeler is a huge part of the offense, which is now coordinated by Kellen Moore, the former Cowboys OC. Ekeler rushed for 117 yards last Sunday. He also caught four passes for 47 yards. He was one of only four running backs in the league who eclipsed 100 yards in their season openers. If you’re curious, the others were Christian McCaffrey (152), Breece Hall (127) and Nick Chubb (106).

Austin Ekeler is coming off his best career NFL season. A year ago, he rushed 204 times for 915 yards and caught 107 passes for 702 yards. Collectively, he scored 18 touchdowns — 13 via the rush and five from receptions. The Chargers line him up everywhere. Last year, he was in the backfield 702 times. But he also lined up as the slot receiver 52 times and out wide for 17 more.

Besides Austin Ekeler, Chargers might be without Joey Bosa

In addition to Austin Ekeler, the Chargers could be without Joey Bosa, who is dealing with a tender hamstring. The Chargers indicate Bosa will be a game-time decision. He missed a dozen games because of a bad groin last year. But when he’s healthy, he’s one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the game.

Bosa not being on the field would be good news to Ryan Tannehill, the Titans’ beleaguered quarterback. He suffered through an ugly game in Tennessee’s 16-15 loss to New Orleans. The Saints defense picked him off three times and sacked him three times. Plus, the Saints thwarted the Titans on 10 of 12 third-down attempts.

The chatter already has started in regards to whether Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel should bench Tannehill in favor of Malik Willis. Plus, Will Levis, this year’s second-round pick, is waiting for a chance.

“Yeah I don’t know, I don’t,” Vrabel told reporters earlier this week. “I wish that I knew. I wish that I could tell you. We have to be better. Ryan has to be better. We have to hit guys that are open, we can’t force the ball into double coverage.”

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: