The Chargers backfield took a hit when running back Austin Ekeler had to be placed on the injured reserve back in early October with a hamstring injury and hyperextended knee.
Following Ekeler’s absence, the running game slowed down a bit after being among the league’s best. But in the past two contests, the unit has found some success.
Los Angeles has tallied 210 and 128 yards respectively. But the standout performers haven’t been those of the name Justin Jackson or Joshua Kelley.
Last week, Kalen Ballage shined with a team-high 69 rushing yards against the Raiders. The week before that, Troymaine Pope was the surprise standout with 67 rushing yards against the Broncos.
Both Ballage and Pope were promoted from the practice day the prior to their standout outings.
Jackson has done some promising things on the ground, but that’s when he’s on the field. The third-year back has missed two games this season, including the one in Week 9, after missing nine last year.
Meanwhile, Kelley, the fourth-round pick, is still throwing to find a rhythm. The former UCLA product is averaging 3.2 yards per carry and has yet to find the end zone since Week 1.
L.A. will look to continue to compliment their thriving passing attack with a steadily progressing running game by riding the hot hand until Ekeler is back from his injury.
