Chargers HC Brandon Staley explained his odd decision prior to loss vs. Dolphins
On Sunday, when the inactive list came out, we noticed something odd: the Los Angeles Chargers were putting their 2022 fourth-round draft pick on that list, making him ineligible to start the season Week 1.Things like that happen all the time, but it's more so the fact that they chose an undrafted free agent rookie, […]
On Sunday, when the inactive list came out, we noticed something odd: the Los Angeles Chargers were putting their 2022 fourth-round draft pick on that list, making him ineligible to start the season Week 1.
Things like that happen all the time, but it's more so the fact that they chose an undrafted free agent rookie, Elijah Dotson, over Spiller.
Spiller finished his rookie season with just 18 rush attempts and 41 rushing yards in six games. That's not the production you may wish for, but the Chargers' running back room isn't full of scrubs. He was behind some good players, including one of the best running backs in the league, Austin Ekeler.
Last season, special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken played running back Larry Rountree over Spiller because of his ability in special teams. When you are this far down the depth chart, it also starts boiling down to special teams play.
Spiller competed with Josh Kelley all training camp and preseason for reps behind Ekeler. Still, UDFA rookie Dotson was the teams' backup returner for some of the preseason behind rookie wide receiver Derius Davis. That is the initial thought as to why Dotson got the nod over Siller on Sunday, but Staley's comments all but confirm that.
"We just felt like he would be the best guy that would give us the best chance to beat the Dolphins," Staley told reporters.
It is worth mentioning that Ekeler is dealing with some ankle injury, and it is definitely something to monitor. We could see something completely different with the inactive against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. If Ekeler is out, the team may go with Spiller because of his experience and his skillset as a runner.
If Ekeler is fine, and there is a bigger chance he is than not, we may see the same thing. Dotson has speed and agility that is perfect for special teams as a returner. This is definitely something to monitor.
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