Kalen Ballage Fantasy Outlook Remains Strong Following Austin Ekeler Injury Update

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has been out since Week 4 with a hamstring injury. With Ekeler being "unlikely" to play in the team's Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Kalen Ballage is in great shape to retain his large role within the offense.

Ekeler is nearing a return, but it doesn't appear he'll make his return to action just yet. The running back averaged 15.7 attempts and 78.7 yards per game before being carted off the field in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kalen Ballage Fantasy Outlook

Ekeler's absence this season has opened the door for Ballage. The RB only had 3 total attempts through Week 8 before seeing a heightened role in Week 9 with 15 rushes against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ballage is averaging 16.3 attempts and 60.3 yards in his last three games. The RB has also seen 6 targets a game, turning those into 4.7 receptions and 25.3 receiving yards in that stretch.

With Ekeler likely out once again, there's no reason to believe Ballage won't see his normal looks. He is a solid RB2 option in PPR leagues, averaging 15.23 fantasy points in his last three games despite only scoring 1 TD this year.

Ballage and the Chargers will face a Bills defense in Week 12 that is giving up the 16th-most fantasy points to running backs this season (23.33). Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Ballage's injury status before locking in their lineups, as the RB is dealing with ankle injury, although it's not considered to be serious.

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