Return of Chargers RB Austin Ekeler presents problem for Cowboys defense

After missing three games with an ankle injury, Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler indicated he will return in Week 6, which could create a massive problem for the Dallas Cowboys defense.

"Am I back? Really close, I would say [there's] like a 99 percent chance," Ekeler said Tuesday on his podcast "Ekeler's Edge." "I think it's safe to say that AE30 is going to be out there on the field."

Although Ekeler has played in only one game this season, he looked outstanding. In a Week 1 36-34 loss against the Miami Dolphins, the 28-year-old rushed for 116 yards and one TD on 16 carries. 

The Dallas run defense is erratic. The unit has allowed 617 rushing yards through five games, 21st in the NFL. And linebacker Leighton Vander Esch — who's recorded the team's second-most tackles (30) — could be placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. 

Ekeler gives Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert extra protection. The signal-caller desperately needs this since he's playing with a fractured middle finger on his left hand, and the Cowboys are tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks (15). Per The Athletic's Daniel Popper, Los Angeles running backs Joshua Kelley and Isiah Spiller allowed 12 pressures over the last three games. Last season, Ekeler allowed five in 17 games.
Furthermore, Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore served in the same role in Dallas from 2019 to 2022. As a result, he knows how to attack the Cowboys defensive scheme, putting Ekeler in a position to have a big day.

Since the star RB has several advantages, don't be surprised if he lifts the Chargers to victory, handing Dallas its third loss in the past four games.