Los Angeles Chargers helmet Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Los Angeles Chargers helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
ArticlesFeaturedNFLBy Chris Novak on

Pro Bowler Austin Ekeler found a new home this offseason. Ekeler joined the Washington Commanders after a spirited career with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers underwent some major changes this offseason. Gone is Brandon Staley, and in his place is Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh, who won a National Championship at Michigan this year, returns to the NFL after finding success with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014.

But Ekeler and Harbaugh weren’t a match, it seems. The former Chargers star discussed his decision to leave the team with Kay Adams this week. Ekeler explained why he exited the team on Up & Adams, and to his credit, it’s sound reasoning.

“I think you can kinda see how they’ve been building the team this offseason. … They want a guy they can hand the ball off to 300 times a year,” Ekeler said. “And look, I haven’t had the capacity to do that.”

Ekeler might not be an every-down-back, and his skill set doesn’t really show those tendencies. He’s been good in the run game and in the pass game. It just wasn’t a match, it seems, but the former Chargers star had no ill will to the team’s new leadership either.

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The NFL world had much to say about Ekeler’s explanation for leaving the Chargers. Many were left confused by it. In fairness, a running back shying away from carries is somewhat uncharacteristic.

[Up & Adams]

About Chris Novak

Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022

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