Los Angeles Chargers position preview: RB depth chart ahead of training camp

Travis Wakeman

Los Angeles Chargers position preview: RB depth chart ahead of training camp image

The Los Angeles Chargers will have several new looks in 2024 stemming from the new head coach on the sidelines, Jim Harbaugh. 

Perhaps no other position on the roster will look as different as the running back position. Last season, the team's top two rushers were Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. Neither of them is on the team anymore. 

Instead, the Chargers will be relying on a couple of free-agent signings and a sixth-round pick to start anew in L.A. 

Los Angeles Chargers running back depth chart ahead of training camp

1. Gus Edwards

Number one and number two on this list are interchangeable. Gus Edwards has never been a No. 1 running back, but he gets the top spot on this list because he hasn't missed most of the last two seasons like the guy at No. 2 has. 

2. J.K. Dobbins

It's not often that a running back misses nearly all of two consecutive seasons and still gets a chance to play a prominent role. But that is exactly the opportunity in front of J.K. Dobbins who is still only 25 years old and if he can stay healthy, will have a big chance to resurrect his career. 

 

3. Isaiah Spiller

Just for the time being, Isaiah Spiller is the team's No. 3 RB but his hold on that spot is not very firm. He will be on the roster bubble all summer. 

4. Kimani Vidal

The Chargers chose Kimani Vidal in the sixth round of the draft and many analysts saw that as a great late-round grab. Vidal is the all-time leading rusher in the history of Troy University and he should have a great chance to replace what Ekeler gave the offense, at least to some extent. 

5. Elijah Dotson

Last year's preseason darling, Elijah Dotson ended up suiting up for four games for the team last year but was used sparingly. The team signed him to a future contract this offseason but he is most likely competing for a spot on the practice squad. 

6. Jaret Patterson

Jaret Patterson began his career as an undrafted free agent and spent his first two seasons with the Washington Commanders. 

Last year, he bounced between the Chargers and Commanders and was re-signed by the Chargers following the season. However, he is buried on this depth chart and will be used mostly just to get through camp and preseason games while auditioning for his next role. 

Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.