Perfect RB for Chargers' Playoff Run Just Became Available in Week 18

The Los Angeles Chargers punched their ticket to the postseason last week as they hammered the New England Patriots 40-7. It was an impressive performance from Jim Harbaugh’s team as the defense racked up four sacks, while the offense produced 428 total yards.

The Chargers’ passing game stole the show as starting quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns, two of those went to rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey. However, Los Angeles’ ground game had a familiar face return last week in veteran running back J.K. Dobbins.

Dobbins missed the previous four weeks with a knee injury and ran the ball well against the Patriots. The former Ravens running back recorded 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

The Chargers are excited to have Dobbins back, especially with Gus Edwards being ruled out with an ankle injury. 

Coincidentally, Edwards missed some time earlier this season because of an ankle injury, which forced him to go on injured reserve. Los Angeles hopes Edwards will be ready to go for the NFL playoffs.

However, if the Chargers need running back insurance before the playoffs, the perfect option is surprisingly available in free agency.

The Dallas Cowboys announced on Tuesday they released veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. It was a puzzling move by the Cowboys given Elliott hasn’t done much this season in Dallas and was surpassed on the depth chart by Rico Dowdle.

This season with the Cowboys, Elliott only had 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries (3.1 yards per carry). Simply put, it was a disappointing year for the former first-round pick.

That said, if there’s a team that could use Elliott, it's the Chargers. We don’t know the extent or how severe Edwards’ ankle injury is, but if he’s out, Los Angeles needs a quality RB2 to back up Dobbins.

While Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins are the next guys up in the backfield, neither guy elicits much confidence heading into the postseason. Haskins is averaging 2.5 yards per carry, while Vidal is posting 3.6 yards per carry this season.

Based on his lackluster production this season in Dallas, Elliott isn’t much better than Vidal and Haskins. However, he has postseason experience, which could benefit the Chargers.

Given that Elliott was granted his release, he’ll have to pass through waivers before becoming a free agent. It’s unlikely the former Cowboys running back will get claimed, which is good news for the Chargers or any other team needing RB depth.

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