Chargers RB Joshua Kelley flourishes in NFL debut

Chargers rookie running back Joshua Kelley received a lot of praise out of training camp.

The team’s fourth-round pick showed exactly why the coaching staff and players raved about him in the season opener against the Bengals.

After the passing game was nearly nonexistent, Los Angeles resorted to the running game, which was led by RB Austin Ekeler.

It wasn’t until late in second quarter when Kelley stepped on the field for the first time. His first two carries combined for seven yards.

Right after the half, the offense immediately went with the ground game. Ekeler received a pair of carries before Kelley raised some eyebrows, taking the ball up the gut for a 26-yard gain.

The carries that the former UCLA product followed up with, including his five-yard touchdown, exemplified the type of back he is: a win-at-all cost runner with cutting ability, body control, vision and toughness.

Kelley finished the game with 12 carries for 60 yards and a score.

Coach Anthony Lynn credited Kelley, saying that he didn’t think the Chargers would have won Sunday if they didn’t have him on the field.

Kelley’s performance and the fact that Justin Jackson is struggling to stay injury-free likely signifies that he will have an increased workload as the No. 2 back behind Ekeler moving forward.

“When my number gets called, I have to make the most of my opportunities,” Kelley said.