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American Football

NFL running back says 'no harm, no foul' after ending seven-year stay at franchise

Philip Marsh
NFL running back says 'no harm, no foul' after ending seven-year stay at franchiseGetty Images
There is a new running back in the capital.

After seven straight years with the Los Angeles Chargers, running back Austin Ekeler will finally suit up for a different franchise in 2024.

Ekeler - an undrafted free agent after the 2017 NFL Draft - became a free agent at the end of 2023, and has since joined the Washington Commanders on a two-year deal.

After topping five yards per carry in his first two season, the 29-year-old has seen that number fall, with his average in 2023 dropping to just 3.5.

Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are expected to be a very run-heavy offense, something Ekeler does not believe he is suited to lead.

Speaking on the Up & Adams Show, Ekeler said the game plan the Chargers hope to implement in 2024 is "not my game".

"I think you can see how they've been building the team so far this offseason," said Ekeler.

"They went out and drafted a first round tackle and brought in some bigger backs over from Baltimore.

"They want a guy they can hand the ball off to 300 times a year and, I haven't had that capacity to do that. That's not my game.

"So there was the misalignment there, which, no harm, no foul, I'm going to go find somewhere else where Austin can be the best version of myself out there." 

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