5. Joshua Kelley, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster %: ESPN 26.4%. Yahoo 38%.
Here is a direct example of head coaches and coordinators subbing personnel throughout the game to keep players healthy in the early stages of the season: the Los Angeles Chargers alternating touches between starting running back Austin Ekeler and backup Joshua Kelley throughout the team’s Week 1 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ekeler and Kelley combined for 144 yards, Kelley having 60 on 12 carries, in that win.
With the team’s current quarterback situation, this offense will continue to be run-heavy. Meaning, with all of those calls to the backs, Kelley and Ekeler should split time and reps. Indicating Kelley still has value and should be rostered.
In Week 3, the Chargers host the Carolina Panthers and a defense that allowed 133 rushing yards in Week 1.
If Kelley starts to get reps in scoring situations, his value jumps drastically. He could become a player who gets 15+ carries a game, but he loses value without much action as a pass-catcher.