CARSON, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers escaped with a 30-24 overtime win against Indianapolis Colts at Dignity Health Sports Park, due a powerful touchdown run by Austin Ekeler. With a great block by Derek Watt, Ekeler maneuvered his way into the endzone for the win.
With Melvin Gordon still holding out, the running back duties had to be split between Ekeler and Justin Jackson on Sunday afternoon. Ekeler finished with 58 rushing yards, 96 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Jackson finished with 57 rushing yards on six carries.
Playing in a loaded Bolts offense, Ekeler shined brighter than a new diamond, able to burn through a tedious Colts defense majority of the game. With current production from Ekeler and quarterback Philip Rivers able to spread the ball around to various targets such as Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry to name a few, Gordon’s contract talks will remained stalled with the team. After Sunday’s victory, the Chargers have no sense of urgency to get a deal done sooner than the Tom Telesco timeline of after the season to discuss a new deal for Gordon.
For now the Bolts are content with their new two-running back system, and why shouldn’t they be, it’s proven to be effective…. for now. How long can they go without Flash Gordon is anyone’s guess, but it’s special to watch the Human Torch burn through defenses for the weeks to come.
