UCLA Football: Former Bruins RB Helps NFL Team Win First Game Of Season
Former UCLA product Joshua Kelley's Los Angeles Chargers won their first game of the year in week 3 of the NFL season after a gritty road matchup in Minnesota.
The running back filled in for his injured teammate Austin Ekeler for a second consecutive week and helped his team get the victory amidst a tough Vikings defense.
Joshua Kelley, RB, Los Angeles Chargers – Started for the second consecutive week, helping Los Angeles to a 28-24 win over Minnesota. Kelley totaled 12 yards rushing, and caught one pass for five yards.
Ekeler suffered an ankle injury in LA's week one loss, clearing the way for a tremendous complementary performance from his backup in Kelley.
Once his understudy took on the starting role, however, Kelley struggled to find traction against a tough Titans defensive front in week two.
The former UCLA favorite totaled just 39 yards on the ground against Tennessee after he gashed Miami for 91 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Week 3 fared equally as harsh for the now fourth-year pro despite the Vikings' poor run defense performance against the Eagles in the first Thursday Night Football game of the NFL season.
Ekeler returned to practice earlier this week and will likely take back his starting role in Kelley's stead, given his poor performance.
For all the conversation around a more two-dimensional offense with their run game, LA's rushing attack suffered without Ekeler and Kelley's combined efforts.
Now that the former undrafted free agent will take his starting job back, less pressure on Kelley's plate stands to benefit the young runner.
Given the tandem's performance of 200 combined rushing yards in their shootout with the Dolphins, many might view Kelley's returned role as ultimately beneficial.
A playoff hopeful once more, Kelley's surprise role got the job done, and the former Bruin continues to shine on the field near his alma mater.
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