As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for their Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans, running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are battling ankle injuries. The Chargers, favored by 2.5 points, are likely to adopt a run-heavy strategy against a Texans defense that has shown vulnerabilities against the run. Dobbins has been limited in practice, while Edwards recently upgraded his status, potentially leading to a committee approach with backup Hassan Haskins playing a key role.

In the receiving corps, the Chargers face additional challenges with injuries affecting key players. Quentin Johnston is recovering from a quad injury, and Joshua Palmer has been ruled out. However, the Texans' secondary is also missing key players, giving Los Angeles a chance to exploit these matchups.

Ezekiel Elliott has joined the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad, bringing his veteran experience to the team as they prepare for the playoffs. Released by the Dallas Cowboys on December 31, Elliott's signing coincides with the Chargers' strong season, finishing at 11-6 and entering the wild-card round against Houston.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh reflected on Elliott's past performances, recalling a challenging game in 2015 where Elliott dominated with 214 rushing yards. The Chargers' dynamic lineup now also features Elliott's former Ohio State teammate, Joey Bosa, which adds to the familiarity on the field.

This season, Elliott has faced struggles, marking career lows in rushing attempts and yards. However, with J.K. Dobbins leading the Chargers' backfield, the team hopes Elliott can quickly adjust and contribute. Dobbins has shown impressive performance, rushing for over 900 yards this season.

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to sign running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad, pending a physical, as confirmed by sources. This news comes after the Dallas Cowboys waived Elliott earlier this month, a decision made by owner Jerry Jones to honor Elliott's contributions and provide him with a chance to pursue playoff opportunities. Drafted by the Cowboys in 2016, Elliott is their third all-time leading rusher.

In the current season, Elliott has recorded 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games. He was made inactive for a game against the Atlanta Falcons due to missed meetings.

The Chargers are likely looking to bolster their backfield, especially given the injury woes of Gus Edwards, who has been sidelined since a Week 16 win against the Denver Broncos. Edwards suffered an ankle injury during that game and later aggravated it in practice. The decision to bring in Elliott indicates the Chargers' need for depth as they prepare for an upcoming wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans.

Despite this addition, it is expected that the signing will not significantly impact the role of lead running back J.K. Dobbins, who has achieved a career-high of 1,058 yards from scrimmage this season. Other running backs on the roster, Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins, might see their opportunities limited with Elliott's arrival.

Ezekiel Elliott has secured a spot with the Los Angeles Chargers after reaching an agreement to join their practice squad. The move comes as the running back aims to continue his career with a playoff contender following his release from the Dallas Cowboys. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Elliott had interest from several playoff teams but favored the Chargers as the right fit.

Following 16 seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott was released to allow him the opportunity to join a playoff team. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed gratitude for Elliott's contributions to the team during his tenure.

After a year with the New England Patriots, Elliott returned to Dallas as a backup and had 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns before being released. His experience as a blocker in passing situations may provide the Chargers with a valuable asset as they head into the playoffs.

In a critical matchup, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is focused on securing a playoff berth in his inaugural season, despite the looming implications of a potential postseason clash with his brother, John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. With the Chargers currently at 9-6, they hold a tiebreaker advantage over the Denver Broncos but not against the Pittsburgh Steelers, positioning them for a likely sixth seed in the playoffs.

Before any playoff scenarios can be contemplated, the Chargers must first contend with the struggling New England Patriots, who have faced a rough season with a record of 3-12. Despite their recent five-game losing streak, the Patriots have demonstrated signs of improvement, particularly in their recent narrow loss to the Buffalo Bills. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert emphasized the need for focus and respect for their opponents, acknowledging the challenges of playing on the road.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye of the Patriots is under pressure to minimize turnovers, having thrown an interception in each of his last seven games while also tying a franchise record for touchdown passes by a rookie. The Chargers, meanwhile, are hoping for the return of running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been sidelined due to injury. His absence has significantly impacted the Chargers' offensive consistency, as they have struggled to maintain their rushing yards without him.

Historically, the Chargers have performed well when playing in the Eastern time zone, winning 11 of their last 13 such games. However, they must address their defensive lapses, having allowed touchdowns on the opening drive in their last three games, a stark contrast to their earlier season performance.