Chargers' Austin Ekeler to Return from Injury 'Later Rather Than Sooner'

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler could be sidelined for a while with the hamstring injury he suffered in the team's Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to The Athletic's Daniel Popper, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said Wednesday that Ekeler's injury was "very serious" and the 25-year-old will make his return "later rather than sooner.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Oct. 4 that Ekeler was seen with crutches and a brace and may have hyperextended his knee as well. Schefter added days later that Ekeler would not need surgery and would miss four to six weeks.

In an interview with Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, Ekeler estimated he would miss three to four weeks.

"As long as the league is continuing on, I'll definitely be back this year," he said.

Ekeler signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Western State Colorado following the 2017 draft. He became a major piece of the offense following the departure of Melvin Gordon III, who singed with the Denver Broncos in March. In four games, Ekeler posted 248 yards and a touchdown on 49 carries, and he still leads the team in rushing yards.

In Ekeler's absence, the Chargers have looked to rookie Joshua Kelley, who was drafted in the fourth round, and three-year veteran Justin Jackson, a seventh-round selection. Through five games, Kelley has posted 203 yards and a touchdown on 63 attempts, while Jackson has added 84 yards on 23 carries in three outings, including a Week 5 start.