AFC West

Chargers’ Austin Ekeler Possibly Facing Diminished Role, Coach Brandon Staley Says

By Jelani Scott With the Chargers (5–7) continuing to struggle entering Week 14, tailback Austin Ekeler’s starting role may soon be jeopardy. The idea was hinted at this week by coach Brandon Staley, who strongly suggested to reporters that Ekeler may lose touches to backups Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller before season’s end. Staley then added to his curiously timed comments by describing Ekeler, the club’s top tailback since 2019, as a “good running back” that has stalled over the last couple games. “Competition for carries is going to be something that you can see happening,” Staley told r…