Joshua Kelley Fantasy Football News
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Falling on depth chart
Joshua Kelley is listed behind both Justin Jackson and Larry Rountree on the team’s first official depth chart release, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.It’s a pretty jarring statement considering the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Kelley in the fourth round just one year ago, but it reflects what occurred towards the end of 2020 when the rookie was a healthy scratch in two of the final four games. Rountree often has been mentioned as a legitimate short-yardage threat, giving the 2021 sixth-round pick a more defined role than Kelley and adding yet another strike against the latter’s quest towards retaining a roster spot. At this point, Kelley might need an excellent preseason in order to claim a spot on the active roster, much less the coveted backup role behind stalwart Austin Ekeler.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Roster spot not guaranteed
Joshua Kelley could be competing for the final running back spot with 2020 sixth-round pick Larry Rountree, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.The presumed hierarchy according to Popper would see Austin Ekeler handle most of the work out of the backfield with Justin Jackson filling in occasionally as a change-of-pace option. That would leave Kelley and Rountree in an ultra-utility capacity, but the recent sixth-round pick profiles a bit better as a goal-line threat, something the Los Angeles Chargers seemingly lack at the moment. Kelley was a major factor at the start of his rookie season but dramatically tailed off toward the end of the year, finishing as a healthy scratch in two of the final four games. Considering Rountree also has experience playing special teams throughout college, it’s entirely possible Kelley may be on the outside looking in when it comes to the running back depth chart.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Uneven rookie season
Joshua Kelley, who was a healthy scratch in two of the Los Angeles Chargers’ final four games, finished his rookie season with 502 total yards and two touchdowns in 11 games.Kelley’s fall from fantasy grace came precipitously as the 23-year-old saw 47 touches in his first three games as a complement to Austin Ekeler before yielding time to Justin Jackson and then Kalen Ballage as the season progressed. By the time Ekeler (quad) returned from his multi-month absence, Kelley had completely fallen out of the rotation in favor of Ballage despite the two having nearly indistinguishably modest yards-per-carry averages. Looking ahead, the UCLA product could have a chance to increase his role in his second NFL season with a new coaching regime in store. That the Chargers have more invested in Kelley (a 2020 fourth-rounder) compared to Jackson and Ballage should at least guarantee him a spot on the active roster next season. However, until further context with regard to the team’s 2021 offensive scheme and personnel emerges, it’s hard to gauge whether Kelley will be a depth piece like he was toward the end of his rookie season or a crucial factor in the rotation, as he was early on.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Deemed healthy Week 16 scratch
Joshua Kelley (coach’s decision) is inactive heading into Sunday’s game against the Broncos, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.Los Angeles will roll with Kalen Ballage and Justin Jackson as secondary backs behind Austin Ekeler during a Week 16 AFC West clash. Kelley’s 3.2 yards-per-carry average is uninspiring, while his two lost fumbles on the season motivate the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching staff to search elsewhere for more reliable options.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Five offensive snaps in win
Joshua Kelley carried the ball two times for eight yards in Thursday’s 30-27 win over the Raiders.Kelley did next to nothing in this contest largely as a byproduct of just five offensive snaps. The return of Austin Ekeler and emergence of Kalen Ballage has made the rookie running back simply an afterthought, and it’s hard to imagine that changing with just two games left to play, especially considering Kelley was a healthy inactive just one game prior.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Back in lineup
Joshua Kelley is active for Thursday’s game against the Raiders, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.Kelley was a healthy scratch for last week’s win over the Falcons, but he’ll return to the lineup for Week 15, taking the place of Justin Jackson. When Jackson suited up last week, he saw just two carries for eight yards, so it’s unclear what sort of role Kelley will have in the offense. He’ll join Austin Ekeler and Kalen Ballage as healthy running backs for the divisional clash.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Inactive Week 14
Joshua Kelley (coach’s decision) is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Falcons.Kelley avoided an injury designation for Sunday’s contest after dealing with a foot issue, but he’ll still be sitting out as a healthy scratch. Austin Ekeler will lead the backfield while Kalen Ballage and Justin Jackson serve as the backup options.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Ready for Week 14
Joshua Kelley (foot) has been cleared to play in Sunday’s game versus the Falcons.Kelley started the week as a non-participant, upgraded to limited status Thursday, and practiced at full speed to close out the week. The rookie has been cleared to play in Week 14. His role is yet to be determined, as Kelley, Austin Ekeler and Kalen Ballage haven’t all stayed healthy for an entire game this season. Kelley, Ballage and Justin Jackson (IR – knee) are all candidates to handle the No. 2 backfield role for the remainder of the year.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Status takes positive turn
Joshua Kelley (foot) was a limited participant during Thursday’s practice session.The UCLA product was unable to participate in any capacity Wednesday, having been forced to exit Sunday’s 45-0 loss to the Patriots after three offensive snaps. The injury-induced departure naturally led to a dip from Kelley’s average of 26.2 offensive snaps per game, as he managed just two catches for three yards in the contest. His status is now trending in the right direction, however, as L.A. prepares to host the Falcons’ 12th-ranked rush defense Sunday afternoon.
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Chargers’ Joshua Kelley: Unable to practice Wednesday
Joshua Kelley (foot) didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice.Kelley was forced out of Sunday’s loss to the Patriots with what was initially termed as an ankle issue, but the team clarified the nature of his injury with the release of its first Week 14 practice report. The rookie’s absence from practice to start the week is a discouraging sign ahead of Sunday’s game versus the Falcons, but he’ll have two more opportunities to increase his on-field work. Troymaine Pope (neck) — who was also limited Wednesday — would be next in line to serve as Los Angeles’ No. 3 back if Kelley is inactive.
