Report: Chargers' Austin Ekeler Out 4-6 Weeks with 'Serious' Hamstring Injury

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler reportedly suffered a "serious" hamstring injury and will likely go on injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.  

Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported Ekeler is expected to miss four-to-six weeks with the injury, but is getting a second opinion about his timeline to return. 

The 25-year-old was carted off the field during Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing the day with just two carries and one reception. It cleared the way for Joshua Kelley and Justin Jackson in the backfield, but neither is as explosive as Ekeler.

The Western Colorado product ran for a career-high 557 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, but it was his ability as a receiver that stood out the most.

Ekeler finished the campaign with 92 catches for 993 yards and eight touchdowns, putting up numbers plenty of wide receivers would be thrilled with for an entire season. Expectations were sky-high entering play in 2020 following that effort, and he has responded with 248 rushing yards and 144 receiving yards in just over three games.

The running back figured to be a major part of the offense in 2020, especially as the Chargers potentially transitioned to rookie quarterback Justin Herbert under center.

Look for them to rely even more on the Kelley-Jackson combination until Ekeler is ready to return.