Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Isiah Pacheco

Sunday, September 24, 10:45 AM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (high-ankle sprain) is "hopeful" that he can return in Week 4, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. However, with a Week 5 bye, the Chargers could choose to hold him out until Week 6. He had 154 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in the season opener. Until Ekeler can return, Joshua Kelley will operate as the lead back while Isaiah Spiller and rookie Elijah Dotson also earn opportunities.

Monday, September 25, 1:47 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (hamstring) rushed 15 times for 62 yards and a touchdown with two receptions for 16 yards in Week 3's crushing 41-10 win over the Chicago Bears. The 24-year-old was rocked on a helmet-to-helmet hit while attempting to find the end zone in the first quarter, ceding the goal-to-go score to Jerick McKinnon a few plays later. Pacheco ripped off an 18-yard scamper early in the second period, but watched as other backfield mate Clyde Edwards-Helaire fought his way past the goal line for a one-yard touchdown later that drive. Pacheco finally joined the party, however, visiting the end zone following a Chiefs takeaway to cap off a strong 66-yard first half. Pacheco delivered in a smash spot for K.C.'s running game on Sunday, but could have had an enormous day, considering there were four RB scores to be had. The 2022 seventh-rounder might embrace a heavy workload if the sputtering New York Jets fall behind in Week 4 next Sunday night.