Chargers' Austin Ekeler questionable for Week 8 vs. Pats

Austin Ekeler has been dealing with a hip injury. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler questionable for Week 8 vs. Patriots after missing practices Thursday, Friday

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 10/29/21

As the Los Angeles Chargers get ready to host the New England Patriots in Week 8 on Sunday, they may have to prepare for the possibility of being without their most dynamic piece on a loaded offense.

Do-it-all running back Austin Ekeler landed on the Chargers' injury report after missing Thursday's practice with a hip injury and he was still sidelined on Friday.

#Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (hip) is QUESTIONABLE for Sunday's game vs. Patriots.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 29, 2021

As Daniel Popper of The Athletic noted, it seems like the injury is new for Ekeler, as he was a full participant coming out of the team's Week 7 bye and in Wednesday's practice.

RB Austin Ekeler was not practicing today. He popped up on yesterday's injury report with a hip injury after practicing fully on Wednesday. #Chargers
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 29, 2021

Through six games this season, Ekeler leads the Chargers in touches (100), yards from scrimmage (598) and all-purpose touchdowns (seven). It's unclear who would lead the Chargers' backfield if the fifth-year player is forced to sit out, but it could be a committee of Larry Rountree, Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley, who are the only other running backs to receive carries this year.

The Chargers (4-2) and Patriots (3-4) are scheduled to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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