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NFL Week 13: Winners and losers around the league

By Caleb Pierson

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes the ball the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes the ball the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Austin Ekeler – Loser

When Melvin Gordon was ruled out, all eyes went to backup Austin Ekeler. Ekeler has shown flashes of greatness this year being the second back up in the Chargers backfield. It was supposed to be his coming out party as he was expected to be the feature back in Sunday nights game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ekeler was not able to showcase anything. He was bottled up all night and did not look the slightest bit like a feature back.

Ekeler rushed 13 times for just 21 yards for an average of just 1.6 yards per carry. To make matters worse for him, he was out shined by his backup in the second half, rookie running back Justin Jackson. Jackson would rush for 63 yards on just eight carries and even added a touchdown.

The Chargers turned to Jackson when they had the lead and needed to grind out the clock, not Ekeler. It was not a good showing for Ekeler. If Melvin Gordon is forced to miss next week, it will be interesting to see who the Chargers trust to carry the ball.

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