LA Chargers roster: 3 most concerning positions in 2021
By Jason Reed
Positions to be concerned about on the LA Chargers roster: Running back
Spoiler alert: running back is the only offensive position on this list that we can legitimately be concerned about. This is the first time in what feels like forever that the offensive line is not a massive concern heading into the season.
Sure, some things might not be perfect with the offensive line and it still is not one of the best in the league, but this is the most talented offensive line that the team has fielded in years. Even if it does not live up to its full potential it will be better than last year.
The position to be concerned with is running back. Like safety, this position is also spearheaded by a fantastic player in Austin Ekeler, who is one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league.
There are no concerns about Ekeler and as long as he stays healthy then he will have a great season. He has only suffered one serious injury in his career, so he gets the benefit of the doubt, but it is easy to get banged up as a running back and the depth behind him is not great.
Justin Jackson has shown flashes but he is constantly hurt and the flashes are not as valuable anymore. Joshua Kelley was the worst running back in the league last season, and quite frankly, does not possess the skillset to be a successful running back.
Larry Rountree is the big x-factor and he was a surprising pick by the Chargers that not many fans mocked going to the team. If he does not step up in his rookie year, which is likely, then the Chargers don’t really have a true, valuable RB2.
That is important. Even if Ekeler is healthy you need at least a second running back in an offense and it is hard to really love any of the options that the team has. And if Ekeler does get hurt, well, the running back position may seriously hold the team back.