Chargers Rumors: Los Angeles likes their running backs for 2020

Recent Chargers rumors are that they like the one-two punch that they have in their backfield heading into 2020.

As we get closer to the NFL Draft, recent Chargers rumors have been about what the team might do with the sixth overall pick.

Like most seasons, the possibilities for what might happen during the draft are endless. For the Chargers, it appears like they will be prioritizing getting a quarterback with the sixth pick, or potentially even trading up in the draft to get their guy.

In addition to losing Philip Rivers at the quarterback position, the Chargers also saw Melvin Gordon walk in free agency. After holding out in 2019, the writing was pretty much on the wall with Gordon’s future in Los Angeles.

When he did return last season, the team didn’t improve that much, and he wasn’t as big of a factor as one would have hoped for a player that was holding out. In 12 games last season, Gordon averaged just 3.9 yards per carry, which was well down from the 5.1 yards per carry average in 2017.

With Gordon not being a huge factor for the Chargers, it is easy to see why they think they will be fine without him.

According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the Chargers are comfortable with using a one-two punch of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson next season. You can read Popper’s full article with a paid subscription to The Athletic here.

With Gordon holding out, Ekeler made the most of the extra opportunities given to him in the offense. Last season, Ekeler totaled 92 receptions and 993 receiving yards. Those are amazing numbers for a running back catching passes out of the backfield, and Ekeler cemented himself as one of the best receiving backs in the NFL.

Jackson is an interesting young running back that the Chargers seem to be high on. Even though he didn’t get a ton of opportunities last season, he had a 6.9 yards per carry average on 29 rushing attempts last season.

The sample size for Jackson is certainly small, but he could be a good fit in the offense with Ekeler. Even though Gordon is gone, the running back position doesn’t appear to be a concern for the franchise right now. With the draft approaching, the Chargers’ main focus will be on getting themselves a quarterback.