Chargers' Austin Ekeler: Week 12 return expected

Daniel Popper of The Athletic expects Ekeler (hamstring/knee) to return in Week 12.

Ekeler has progressed to straight-line running in his recovery and, barring a setback, could be back in two weeks against the Bills. A Week 12 return would represent an eight-week layoff since the running back got hurt against the Buccaneers in Week 4. With fellow RB Justin Jackson (knee) also sidelined, Troymaine Pope (neck), Joshua Kelley and practice squad call-up Kalen Ballage should continue to split reps in the Chargers backfield while Ekeler recovers.