Chargers' Austin Ekeler, Eric Kendricks doubtful to play Sunday - ESPN

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler and linebacker Eric Kendricks are doubtful to play at the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, while outside linebacker Joey Bosa is questionable.

All three players were injured in the season-opening 36-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Ekeler hurt his ankle, and Kendricks and Bosa each suffered hamstring injuries.

Ekeler ran for 117 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and had 47 yards receiving but did not play on the Chargers' final possession.

Joshua Kelley, who had 91 yards rushing and a touchdown on 16 carries, would likely start in Ekeler's absence.

Elijah Dotson, a rookie undrafted free agent, and Isaiah Spiller, a second-year back who was inactive on Sunday, would back up Kelley. The Chargers also signed Jaret Patterson, who ran for 344 yards and two touchdowns the past two seasons for the Washington Commanders, to their practice squad on Wednesday.

The loss of Kendricks will test the Chargers' run defense, which allowed 70 yards on 20 carries to the Dolphins.

Kendricks, who made seven tackles and had one pass defended in his Chargers debut after playing his first eight seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, was signed in free agency to help stabilize a group that allowed an NFL-worst 5.42 yards per carry in 2022.

Titans star Derrick Henry had 63 yards rushing on 15 carries and also caught two passes for 56 yards in a 16-15 loss at the New Orleans Saints.

Bosa's absence comes after he missed 12 games last season because of a groin injury that required surgery. He had 2.5 sacks in five games, both career lows, after reaching double-digit sacks in four of his first six seasons.

The Chargers did not sack Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday. The 466 yards passing