The Chargers have been dismounted and will see no part of the playoff losing both coach Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco in a turbulent week.
And it seems like the letting will not stop there as running back Austin Ekeler failed to secure a multiyear contract and will be entering free agency in 2024.
The RB does not want the final three games to be meaningless and has promised to deliver on the park.
“I know I’m the same player,” Ekeler told Kris Rhim of ESPN.com. “But that doesn’t matter when it comes to the contracts, when it comes to the media, when it comes to betting, when it comes to all these people that are affected by me, it’s making sure I prove it to you guys.”
Ekeler is averaging a career low 3.6 yards per carry and has also had ankle injury problems.
Unlike some positions, running backs tend to be less productive as they develop in their career and longevity is arguably their greatest hurdle.
Ekeler though is not thinking further than the final three weeks, starting with a clash against the promotion chasing Bills.
Buffalo have been great on defense all season conceding points, 254 points, second ranked in this category in the AFC and trailing to the 7-7 Steelers (223). The two teams top the league defensively and Ekeler and the Chargers could face another body blow.
