Chargers’ Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller running to impress in preseason opener
COSTA MESA — The scene was repeated again and again during the first 12 sessions of the Chargers’ training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex: A quarterback would take a snap from a center, turn and hand or pitch the ball to a running back and the play would come to a screeching halt.
The running back would run only so far, maybe only a yard or two or three past the line of scrimmage before a whistle would sound, signifying the ball carrier was down and the play would be done. There was no tackling allowed, so it was almost like playing flag or touch football.
Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller and the rest of the running backs had zero opportunity to attempt to break tackles. It was difficult to gauge their progress as camp continued. It also was tough to know whether the blocking in front of them held up as well as it was designed.
Now, finally, there will be a chance to see what strides the Chargers’ running backs have taken since the start of camp July 26. They’ll get a chance to show what they’ve accomplished so far and what needs to be improved as camp continues through the end of the month.
The Chargers face the Rams on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium, the first of three exhibitions this month leading up to their regular-season opener Sept. 10. With the exception of Ekeler, who isn’t expected to play against the Rams, it’s a chance for the backs to show what they can do.
With Ekeler joining most if not all of the Chargers’ starters in sitting out the preseason games, Kelley and Spiller have a chance to fight for a role in what’s expected to be another standout offensive unit, led by dynamic quarterback Justin Herbert.
To be sure, much of the coaching staff’s evaluation of the backs is ongoing, based largely on what’s happened in camp. Saturday’s exhibition provides a chance for the running backs to show all their skills, especially while running with the football in their hands while in close quarters.
“When it’s live tackle to the ground, we’re going to know more about what that competition is, but I think Isaiah has made very big improvements,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said when asked to assess the depth of the running backs corps beyond Ekeler, the NFL’s leader with 18 total touchdowns last season.
“I think it’s been noticeable physically, running style, and I think he’s made a lot more plays. He’s always been a very reliable pass protector and pass catcher. Again, preseason will be big for both of those guys.”
Kelley won the job as the Chargers’ No. 2 back behind Ekeler last season, rushing for 287 yards and two touchdowns on 69 attempts over 13 games in his third NFL season after he was drafted in the fourth round out of UCLA in 2020. Spiller, a rookie last season, had 41 yards on 16 carries in six games.
Larry Rountree III is another back who could get considerable playing time against the Rams and during exhibitions Aug. 20 against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium and Aug. 25 against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium. Rountree had 19 yards on 13 carries last season.
Each of the three running backs could be called upon more often this season as the Chargers try to maximize Ekeler’s productivity without wearing him down as they also attempt to improve a running game that ranked 30th with 1,524 yards in the 32-team league during the 2022 season.
“Practice is where it’s at because you can control the environment,” Staley said of the ongoing evaluation process. “There is that element of the games that you’re getting to see them against different schemes. You can see them apply their rules to some un-scouted looks and tackle other players.
“I think that there is that finishing aspect to the preseason games, which is important, and who can execute under pressure, but practice is probably where we learn the most.”
Preseason: Chargers at Rams
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: SoFi Stadium
How to watch: Ch. 2; NFL Network