Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler will remain with the team after $1.75 million in incentives were added to his deal this season. Ekeler is set to enter the final year of the four-year, $24.5 million extension he signed in 2020.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

Despite months of trade rumor possibilities, Ekeler isn't going anywhere. The workhorse role remains his for the taking, making him a top fantasy priority.

“Nope” Chargers GM Tom Telesco says when asked if they received any calls during the draft from teams interested in trading for running back Austin Ekeler.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

Los Angeles was considered an RB-needy team heading into the Draft, so it's a bit of a surprise that they exited without adding anybody. It looks like Ekeler and the team will need to reconcile their differences, but at the moment, that doesn't seem to be in the form of a new contract.

As it stands, Ekeler should be considered a high-value three-down back with a great quarterback.

The Chargers released their official depth chart and some interesting notes:
-Joshua Kelley and Sony Michel are both listed as RB2
(Isaiah Spiller RB4)

Related players: Austin Ekeler

No surprises here really. The Chargers just signed Michel to at least help compliment Ekeler. While the Dolphins cut Michel, it seems like the Bolts aren't totally sold on going with Kelley as the backup, even though he had a nice camp, according to reports. Spiller was banged up a bit this offseason so he'll likely need more time before he's fantasy relevant and gets to move up the depth chart.

The Los Angeles Chargers plan to sign running back Sony Michel, who was released by the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Roundtree

As part of the transaction, the team is releasing Roundtree. Michel should slide right into the RB2 role ahead of Kelly and Spiller. Spiller is battling an injury and while Kelley had a good camp and was winning the RB2 battle, Michel can be considered an upgrade and should form a nice compliment to Ekeler.

RB Isaiah Spiller back at practice

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

With Ekeler the lead back, right now Kelley is the team's RB2. However Spiller could be ready to go for Week 1, and if not, it should only be a matter of time before Spiller moves up the depth chart. It was also reported Sony Michel, recently released by the Dolphins, was in town to meet with the Bolts, so this is something to monitor.

RB Isaiah Spiller (ankle) will miss the final preseason game and there is “a chance” he’ll miss the season opener Week 1 against the Raiders, Brandon Staley said.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

Kelley, according to several reports, is ahead of everyone in terms of the RB2 role, so this will likely solidify that situation. Ekeler will get a bulk of the work and Rountree could see some snaps as well until Spiller gets back. Spiller could climb into the RB2 role eventually, but for now that will be Kelley.

Joshua Kelley started Saturday’s preseason game against the Rams and had a really efficient game, totaling 44 yards from scrimmage on six touches. In Tuesday’s practice, Kelley continued to get the most first-team work of the three running backs vying for the second running back spot behind Austin Ekeler — Larry Rountree III, rookie Isaiah Spiller and Kelley.

Seems like a bit of an upset fi Kelley comes away with the job, especially with the rookie Spiller garnering a lot of post-NFL Draft hype. Ekeler is ranked fourth on our RB list so he'll get a bulk of the work out of the backfield, especially in the passing game. But the team will have a need for a between-the-tackles-type runner. For Ekeler owners, this is a battle to keep an eye on throughout camp. For the record, the story said the team is happy with Spiller's development to this point.