Team news: Los Angeles Chargers

Coach Brandon Staley said in July they would bring Quentin Johnston along slowly, and that’s held true. Staley said the slow ramp-up for their first-round pick isn’t because Johnston isn’t ready, but rather because of the talent ahead of him.

But that timeline has shifted. Mike Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers no longer have the luxury of keeping their first-round receiver hidden on the sidelines.

“We believe in the makeup of this guy, and now he's going to get a bigger opportunity because there are going to be more opportunities available for him,” Staley said. “So it's a great chance for him to step up.”

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer

Allen is obviously still the top target but will probably draw more attention from defenses. Johnston will battle with Palmer for the WR2 spot but certainly has a chance to take over that role given his first-round talent. But as the story said, Johnston's play fluctuated in camp and he struggled with drops at one point. Still, if you're looking for help at the WR position, Johnston should be picked up and at least stashed for a week or two to see how he starts to fit in with this high-powered offense.

Source: Chargers WR Mike Williams has torn his ACL and is out for the season, the MRI confirmed.

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston

It's what was feared since Sunday after the game. Williams was having a standout Week 3 before the injury happened. Williams will try to bounce back for next year at the age of 30. As for this season, rookie Johnston should be picked up this week if he's still on your waiver wire. It appears he's going to see an increased role according to those who follow the team. Palmer will also factor in give how much the Chargers throw the ball.

The Chargers fear WR Mike Williams has suffered a major knee injury.

Related players: Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen

No one is confirming until after the MRI, according to Rapoport, but those are the rumors leaking out. They are also saying it could be season-ending. Rapoport went on to say rookie Johnston would likely step into more playing time along with Palmer.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is listed as out for Sunday.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Chargers have a very pass-friendly matchup against the Titans in Week 3, which could see them shy away from the run. Chargers running backs (namely, Joshua Kelley) averaged 2.6 yards per carry last week and switched heavily into the pass once the second half started. We should expect more of that, heavily reducing Kelley's Week 3 stock.

Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler, who missed last week’s game due to an ankle injury, is not practicing today.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Chargers have a very pass-friendly matchup against the Titans in Week 3, which could see them shy away from the run. Chargers running backs (namely, Joshua Kelley) averaged 2.6 yards per carry last week and switched heavily into the pass once the second half started. We should expect more of that, heavily reducing Kelley's Week 3 stock.

The Chargers didn’t have running back Austin Ekeler in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Titans.

Who knows when they get him back: The Chargers aren’t saying.

“No timeline on his return,” coach Brandon Staley said Monday.

Ekeler did not practice last week.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

The Bolts missed Ekeler as they rushed for only 61 yards on 21 carries, a 2.9 yards per carry average in Week 2. Kelley looked good in Week 1, but couldn't get anything going in Week 2, which was a tough matchup against the Titans. If Ekeler is going to miss time, Kelley will likely continue to lead the way in the backfield.

The Chargers ruled out RB Austin Ekeler for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Ekeler was initially listed as doubtful, so his chances of playing were already low. At least now we know for sure well before kickoff. Ekeler suffered an ankle injury in the Week 1 loss to the Dolphins after totaling over 100 yards and a touchdown. Joshua Kelley is set to see a bigger role as a result and we have him currently as RB21 for the week.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) not practicing today.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley

This is Ekeler's third straight missed practice, which is a a very strong sign that he will be quite limited, if not entirely out come Week 2's kickoff. Kelley should be considered an immediate RB2, and his upside is absolutely in the top-10 if Ekeler misses this game.

No practice again for a second straight day for Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler, who has an ankle injury.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley

The team could very well be taking extra precautions for the veteran, who very likely doesn't need to be eased into the playbook after how well he performed in Week 1. That likely doesn't ease fantasy managers' minds, but we'll find out more after Friday practices. Joshua Kelley should be rostered in every single fantasy league, regardless of Ekeler's Week 2 status after he notched 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries last week.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler injured his ankle in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.

Head coach Brandon Staley said Monday that Ekeler is day to day, with his status for Wednesday’s practice to be determined.

Related players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson

Ekeler was unable to finish Sunday’s game, finishing with 20 touches for 164 yards and a touchdown on 41 snaps. Backup Joshua Kelley played 39 snaps and had 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers chose to make Isaiah Spiller, a 2022 fourth-round pick, a healthy scratch in favor of undrafted rookie free agent Elijah Dotson, who played only one snap, the story said.