It’s always fun to see running backs making great catches, and that’s what the Los Angeles Chargers’ Austin Ekeler (previously known for his gaming-focused NFL Draft live stream) did Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Chargers facing second and 12 just inside Cowboys’ territory, Justin Herbert unleashed a rocket towards Ekeler (seen above with the ball during the first half), who was in between a couple of Dallas defenders on his route. Ekeler managed to haul it in with one hand, and to survive a shoulder to the head from Trevon Diggs afterwards (which led to 15 more yards being tacked on):
Absolute laser by Justin Herbert
And the catch by Austin Ekeler
pic.twitter.com/pE3XB0OYJE — PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) September 19, 2021
Here’s a freeze-frame of Ekeler’s catch:
Uhhhh… RBs don't normally make catches like this.
Austin Ekeler is DIFFERENT. pic.twitter.com/Swi3lftV0d
— NFL on CBS
(@NFLonCBS) September 19, 2021
Ekeler came out of the game after taking that hit, but returned a few plays later. And he certainly posted a great highlight here.
[@PFF_Fantasy and @NFLonCBS on Twitter; photo from Orlando Ramirez/USA Today Sports]