What It Means:

"We really believe in having that diversity, that variety of runners that can really change the pace on a defense," Staley said. The Chargers new head coach also mentioned using "different styles of running backs" based on the flow of the game. Austin Ekeler is still expected to handle most of the backfield work, but Jeremy Fowler of ESPN says the team is "high on" several backs, and he specifically mentioned sixth-round rookie Larry Rountree. It's worth noting that CBS's Jonathan Jones recently said that Justin Jackson has a "stranglehold" on the No. 2 RB job behind Ekeler. Joshua Kelley is also a viable option to take away some snaps and touches. Per Fantasy Football Calculator, Ekeler (RB11) and Jackson (RB67) are the only two Chargers running backs being taken in standard 12-team formats.

numberFire's models project Ekeler for 215.7 carries, 995.9 rushing yards, 78.9 receptions, 103.6 targets, 661.2 receiving yards, and 11.94 touchdowns this season. Jackson is projected for 110.0 opportunities and Kelley is pegged for 72.9 combined carries and targets. Ekeler is currently the RB13 in our preseason fantasy rankings while Jackson is the RB52 and Kelley is the RB67.