Keep close attention to starting running back Austin Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers over the next few days because he sat out Wednesday’s practice due to a hamstring injury.

Austin Ekeler Hamstring Injury LA Chargers
Austin Ekeler developed into a dual-threat running back for the LA Chargers over the past two seasons. (Image: Getty)

The Chargers insisted that Ekeler worked out away from the rest of the team. They also hinted that his absence was more of a precautionary measure. However, if the injury is anything remotely serious, then you need to swiftly act if you’re betting the LA Chargers/Washington Football Team game in Week 1 and need to replace Ekeler for fantasy football implications.

I play in multiple fantasy football leagues and Ekeler went early in every single draft. He’s a dual-threat back who’s expected to catch a lot of passes out of the backfield from second-year quarterback Justin Herbert.

Last season, the Chargers tapped Ekeler to replace Melvin Gordon in the starting lineup after Gordon bolted from the Bolts and signed with the Denver Broncos. Ekeler played in just 10 games in 2020 while nursing a hamstring injury. He rushed 116 times for 530 yards and a touchdown while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also caught 54 passes for 403 yards and two touchdowns. In 2019, Ekeler caught 92 passes for 993 yards and eight touchdowns while scampering for 557 yards and three touchdowns.

Justin Jackson is currently the backup running back for the Chargers. Jackson, a standout from Northwestern, had success backing up Melvin Gordon in previous seasons while platooning with Ekeler. Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree III were also fighting for the third-string job.

In Week 1, the Chargers head to Washington, DC to play the Washington Football Team. The game is currently a pick’em with a total of 45 o/u.