Gus Edwards

Gus Edwards has been labeled the “clear lead back” by a Chargers beat reporter. Edwards has been dealing with an injury but the expectation is he will be healthy for training camp.

Fantasy Impact

The former Raven has been seen as the favorite for the starting job since joining the team in free agency. Edwards is more an early down bruiser and goalline back and should lead the team in overall touches. However, he doesn’t profile as a third-down option. J.K. Dobbins or rookie Kimani Vidal may see more work in that role over him.

Los Angeles Chargers RB Gus Edwards (undisclosed) has a "high possibility" of being 100% ready to return to the field for the team's training camp in late July, says head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Fantasy Impact

According to Kris Rhim of ESPN, the Chargers' offseason acquisition Edwards has worked off to the side during minicamp as a result of his injury. Edwards signed with the team in the 2024 offseason after his 13-touchdown campaign for the Ravens, playing under his new HC's brother, John Harbaugh. If he can't return, there will be more opportunities for RBs J.K. Dobbins and rookie Kimani Vidal, though Edwards' injury is likely minor. His return in late July should be monitored.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz labeled Gus Edwards as a workhorse.

Fantasy Impact

"I think specifically with Gus, I've seen him deal with the adversity of the [ACL] injury two years ago and come back from it," Hortiz said. "Grind, be physical, continue to play the same brand of football he's always played. Really excited to have him. He's the bell cow, the goal line [guy], the finisher." Hortiz added the Chargers want to play a more physical style of football on both sides of the ball and he helps them do that. It will be worth monitoring to see what the Chargers do at the running back position in the NFL Draft next month.

Gus Edwards reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Chargers.

Fantasy Impact

Edwards now will be reuniting with former Ravens and current Chargers assistant Greg Roman. With Austin Ekeler being a free agent, the Chargers will likely address the backfield again through free agency or the NFL Draft to compliment Edwards.

Gus Edwards rushed the ball 16 times for 68 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 56-19 blowout win over the Miami Dolphins.

Fantasy Impact

Edwards was clearly the team's top running back on Sunday, totaling 16 carries on the day while nobody else had more than six. He did pretty well with the work that he was given and was able to get in the end zone, but that was watered down a bit by a fumble that he lost. It's unclear what the team plans to change in the backfield in 2023, but it seems likely that he will have some sort of fantasy relevance for the foreseeable future.