JOSHUA KELLEY NEWS

Gets into end zone Sunday Kelley carried the ball 10 times for 24 yards and a touchdown and caught one of two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 17-14 win over the Titans.

Impact Austin Ekeler left the game briefly in the first quarter to be checked out for an arm injury, and while the Chargers' starting RB returned to the field quickly, Kelley still wound up tying his season high in carries while scoring his second TD of the year on a one-yard plunge. Assuming Ekeker is 100 percent, expect him to return to his usual limited role in Week 16, although that could still offer Kelley some deep-league fantasy upside against a Colts defense that has collapsed over the last two weeks.

DECEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Joshua Kelley's TD Caps Chargers' 14-Play Opening Drive Running back Joshua Kelley's touchown caps Los Angeles Chargers' 14-play opening drive.

DECEMBER 18, 2022 • CHARGERS.COM

Rips long run in relief Kelley tallied four carries for 29 yards and also caught one of his two targets for six yards in the 23-17 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Impact Kelley scampered for a 22-yard run early in the second quarter, accounting for one of the more explosive gains on the ground all year for the Chargers. The third-year back saw a season-high 32 offensive snaps Sunday, confirming the platooned back up running back situation has essentially been dissolved.

DECEMBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Solid despite loss Kelley carried the ball seven times for 30 yards and failed to catch his only target Sunday in the 27-20 loss to the Raiders.

Impact Kelley was the Chargers' most efficient runner, leading the team in yards per carry during a game in which the run game as whole struggled mightily. Even though the 25-year-old running back did not light up the stat sheet, this game was still reassuring for his value since he established himself as the clear-cut backup to Austin Ekeler, as they were the only two backs to touch the ball.

DECEMBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Joshua Kelley Picks up First Down on Chargers' Fake Punt The Los Angeles Chargers move the chains on a fake punt against the Las Vegas Raiders.

DECEMBER 4, 2022 • CHARGERS.COM

Quiet in return Kelley carried the ball two times for four yards and caught two of his three targets for 16 yards during Sunday's 25-24 win versus the Cardinals.

Impact Kelley made his return to action after spending the past four games on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. Kelley saw both the second most snaps and touches amongst the Los Angeles running backs, but the third-year back still had less touches and yards than he had in all but one other game in which he's played the entirety. As long as Austin Ekeler remains healthy, Kelley's usage should not be expected to increase, but he is still worth holding onto in case the star running back gets hurt.

NOVEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to active roster The Chargers activated Kelley (knee) from injured reserve Saturday.

Impact Kelley has missed the requisite four games on IR as a result of an MCL sprain, but his first game action since Week 6 was forecast Wednesday when the team designated him for return. With three practices likely under his belt this week, he at least will be an option for L.A.'s backfield behind starter Austin Ekeler, along with Isaiah Spiller and Sony Michel. In six appearances this season, Kelley has averaged 4.5 YPC on his 23 rushes and hauled in seven of 10 targets for 56 yards.

NOVEMBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers RB Joshua Kelley Nearing Return Following Knee Injury Chargers RB Joshua Kelley is eager to make his return following a five-week absence.

NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Ready to practice The Chargers designated Kelley (knee) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

Impact With the move, the Chargers have a 21-day window to evaluate the running back in practice, though head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday that if Kelley has a good week of practice he could be activated ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Whenever he's back in the mix, Kelley will look to reclaim a complementary role behind top option Austin Ekeler in a Los Angeles backfield that also includes Isaiah Spiller, Sony Michel and Larry Rountree.

NOVEMBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers focused on holding leads with playoffs in reach

The Los Angeles Chargers are one game out of a wild-card spot, but that's not the focus for coach Brandon Staley after two straight losses

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Expected to practice this week Coach Brandon Staley said Monday that Kelley (knee) is expected to practice this week, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact The third-year running back was placed on IR at the end of October due to a knee injury. When Kelley does return to practice, it'll open a 21-day window for the Chargers to add him to the active roster.

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Placed on IR Kelley (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Impact This isn't a shocking development given Kelley hadn't practiced at all this week, and information following the injury Monday seemed to be relatively guarded by the Chargers. Sony Michel appears poised to take over as the team's primary backup, but rookie fourth-round pick Isaiah Spiller could also work his way into the rotation after being a healthy inactive to begin his career.

OCTOBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Not playing Sunday Kelley (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Impact Kelley made an early departure from Monday's eventual win against the Broncos with what eventually was deemed to be a sprained MCL. He subsequently didn't practice this week and may be in line for a multi-game absence as a result of the injury. In Kelley's absence, Sony Michel and rookie fourth-round pick Isaiah Spiller will be the reserve running backs behind L.A.'s top option Austin Ekeler.

OCTOBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

DNP on Wednesday Kelly (knee) was listed as a non-participant on the Chargers' injury report Wednesday.

Impact Kelley's absence from practice is no surprise, as he's expected to miss extended time after suffering an MCL sprain during Monday's win over the Broncos. The third-year running back split carries with fellow backup Sony Michel over the first six weeks of the season, recording 23 rushes for 104 yards and a touchdown and seven receptions for 56 yards. It's unclear exactly how long Kelley will be sidelined moving forward.

OCTOBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Likely out multiple weeks Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Tuesday that Kelley suffered an MCL sprain during Monday's win over the Broncos and will be sidelined for multiple weeks, Jeff Miller of the...

Impact Kelley was riding the stationary bike after leaving Monday's contest, so the issue didn't initially appear to be too serious. However, Staley's comments suggest otherwise. It's possible Kelley winds up on IR to open up another roster spot, but in his absence, Sony Michel figures to operate as the top backup behind Austin Ekeler.

OCTOBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Late turnover, Hopkins 4th field goal gives Chargers OT win

Dustin Hopkins kicked four field goals, including a 39-yarder with 2:38 remaining in overtime, and the Los Angeles Chargers rallied for a 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos

OCTOBER 18, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chargers RB Joshua Kelley questionable to return vs. Broncos The Chargers’ best pure runner in 2022 may be missing the rest of tonight’s game.

OCTOBER 18, 2022 • USATODAY.COM

Hurts knee on MNF Kelley (knee) is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Broncos.

Impact Kelley went to the blue medical tent, then exited it and began riding the stationary bike along the sideline. While his injury doesn't appear to be too serious based on that series of events, it remains to be seen whether Kelley can return Monday. Sony Michel will be an option to spell Austin Ekeler while Kelley is sidelined.

OCTOBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

First TD of year Kelley carried the ball 10 times for 49 yards and a touchdown in the 30-28 win over the Browns on Sunday. He also caught both of his targets for 33 yards.

Impact Kelley tallied the second-most receiving yards on the team Sunday in what amounted to a heavy attack on the ground. It's entirely possible head coach Brandon Staley and company simply chose to ride the hot hand, but it's worth pointing out Kelley tallied 10 carries to Sony Michel's one, a possible sign the platoon backup backfield situation could be seeing a new hierarchy taking place. In any case, the third-year back still remains firmly behind Austin Ekeler, who set a career high in rushing yards Sunday and also scored two touchdowns.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Joshua Kelley Is Wide Open in Space for 22-Yard Catch and Run Running back Joshua Kelley catches a pass from quarterback Justin Herbert and gains 22 yards.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • CHARGERS.COM

Joshua Kelley Takes Outside Lane for Open TD to Pylon Running back Joshua Kelley rushes for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • CHARGERS.COM

Does little in win Kelley carried the ball four times for 15 yards and didn't catch either of his two targets in Sunday's 34-24 win over the Texans.

Impact Kelley routinely has seen the larger snap share of the backup platoon with Sony Michel, but it was the latter who ultimately out-snapped Kelley, 17-14, in a game in which the Chargers rode a comfortable lead for much of the contest. Kelley has been the more explosive of the reserve backs in terms of yards per carry, but he's seen nine fewer rushes with Michel seemingly locked in as the between-the-tackles ball carrier.

OCTOBER 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Operates as No. 2 back Kelley attempted four carries for 22 yards in Thursday's 27-24 loss to the Chiefs. He also caught one of his two targets for three yards.

Impact Kelley played 19 offensive snaps compared to Sony Michel's nine, but the tandem ultimately saw the same amount of touches in a game in which the Chargers could never solidify a dominant lead. Expect Kelley to continue operating in a timeshare as the backup to Austin Ekeler.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers add depth at running back by signing Sony Michel

Hoping to find a reliable backup to Austin Ekeler, the Los Angeles Chargers signed running back Sony Michel on Wednesday

AUGUST 31, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Joshua Kelley on His Role Within the Team Running back Joshua Kelley talks about making the 53-man roster, his role within the team, and elaborates on his big in-game hurdle against...

AUGUST 30, 2022 • CHARGERS.COM