5 breakout stars to watch for Los Angeles Chargers in 2020

2. RB Justin Jackson

It certainly won’t be easy replacing the production of two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon. The five-year veteran, who was a holdout the first three games of 2019 and wound up playing in the season’s final 12 contests, rolled up 5,280 yards from scrimmage and 47 touchdown the past four seasons.

But the cupboard is hardly bare when it comes to this roster. This offseason, the Chargers inked versatile Austin Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million extension (via Spotrac). He comes off a year in which he totaled 132 carries for 557 yards and three scores, plus finished second on the club with 92 receptions, good for 993 yards and eight touchdowns. All told, Ekeler finished with 1,550 yards from scrimmage and 11 total TDs.

There’s also 2018 seventh-round draft choice Justin Jackson, who opens eyes every time he gets an opportunity to get his hands on the football. As a rookie, he played in 13 regular-season games as well as two postseason outings and opened some eyes. But a year ago, he was limited to just seven contests and all told, has missed a dozen games in two seasons. With Gordon gone, he and Ekeler are now the team’s new 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Don’t be surprised if Jackson seizes the moment.