Why new Chargers RB Sony Michel could affect Austin Ekeler's fantasy value

Recently released running back Sony Michel, whom the Chargers signed Wednesday, will help the team in short-yardage situations, but he could negatively impact Austin Ekeler’s fantasy production. 

Michel, 27, replaced Larry Rountree III on the 53-man roster and probably will serve as Ekeler's primary backup. Michel rushed for 845 yards last season on 208 attempts for the Los Angeles Rams. He ran for four touchdowns. 

Ekeler rushed for a career-high 12 touchdowns and 911 yards last season, obliterating his previous highs of three scores and 557 yards. However, all his touchdowns came from red-zone rushes. He probably will share those carries this season with Michel, who was released by Miami earlier this week.

Ekeler and Michel rushed 46 and 45 times respectively in the red zone last season, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. Ekeler was far more efficient in the red zone, scoring 12 times on his 46 attempts against Michel’s four-for-45 clip. However, when the ball got within the five-yard line, their percentages moved closer (58.3% for Ekeler against 50% for Michel). 

Ekeler had more attempts within the five-yard line (12 to Michel’s six) last season, but Ekeler didn’t have to compete with anyone else. Michel competed for touches last season with star RB Darrell Henderson. 

Michel is a much better player than third-string running back Joshua Kelley or fourth-stringer Isaiah Spiller and will likely take more touches from Ekeler than either of them would have.  

Michel’s purpose on the team may be to push through the defensive line on short-yardage opportunities.

Head coach Brandon Staley received flak for running Ekeler on a failed fourth-and-one against the Raiders in the final game of the season. Michel, who according to Rotowire outweighs Ekeler by 15 pounds, might have more power than Ekeler to run through defenders. 

Ekeler, who caught 70 passes for 647 yards last season, still provides value with his pass-catching ability. But fans playing in half points per reception or standard scoring leagues might want to take Michel into account before drafting Ekeler too high.