The 2023 NFL Season has not played out as the Los Angeles Chargers might have expected coming into the year.
After signing Justin Herbert to a massive contract extension, this team appeared confident in their roster, hoping to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West title.
However, with Herbert being injured and some of the team’s top players not performing up to par, things are trending downward.
Austin Ekeler is one such player that has had a down year.
He recognized this in a recent conversation with Kris Rhim of ESPN, which was shared via Pro Football Talk.
Ekeler said, “I know I’m the same player,” recognizing the season has “been tough.”
Austin Ekeler: I know I’m the same player, have to prove it. https://t.co/Pk4PhofOZw
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 20, 2023
Ekeler also talked about “proving it” to the fanbase.
He understands his role within this team, and to a degree, he feels like he is letting his fans and teammates down with recent performances.
With Ekeler and the Chargers unable to sign a contract extension in the 2023 offseason and his play not being what he has expected, Ekeler’s future role with the team is unknown.
He will be 29 years old when the 2024 season starts, an old age for the running back position in the NFL.
If the Chargers want to bring him back next year, it’ll likely be on a similar contract he is currently signed for.
With the season going the way it has, the Chargers’ front office must reevaluate nearly every position.
A new GM and head coach will be coming, which could also play into the team’s decision on Ekeler moving forward.
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