Keaton Mitchell Recorded Touchdown in Week 3 Loss
The running back tallied 52 rushing yards and a receiving score during the recent matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
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Keaton Mitchell delivered a versatile performance for the Chargers in their Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The running back recorded 52 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown on a jet sweep pass from Justin Herbert.
Why it matters
The Chargers are prioritizing getting Mitchell the ball in space to capitalize on his playmaking ability. This usage trend highlights his growing role in the team's offensive scheme.
Mitchell recorded eight carries for 52 yards and three receptions in the Week 3 loss. He also ran routes on nine more dropbacks than Omarion Hampton, despite playing three fewer total snaps.
The players
Keaton Mitchell
He is a professional running back for the Los Angeles Chargers who is increasingly utilized for his ability to gain yardage in space.
Justin Herbert
He is the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers who connected with Mitchell for a touchdown pass.
Omarion Hampton
He is a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers who shared backfield duties with Mitchell during the Week 3 matchup.
Deone Walker
He is a defensive player for the Buffalo Bills who attempted to tackle Mitchell in the backfield during the game.
The details
Mitchell scored his touchdown on a jet sweep pass from quarterback Justin Herbert after successfully avoiding a tackle by Deone Walker in the backfield. He remained active in the team's red zone rotation throughout the game.
Timeline
The Chargers faced the Buffalo Bills during Week 3 of the 2026 season.
The Big Picture
The increased usage of Mitchell in the passing game follows a pattern set by the broader NFL trend of incorporating dual-threat running backs into offensive schemes.
Mitchell is currently recommended for rostering in all fantasy football formats due to his consistent red zone involvement and target volume. His usage parity with Omarion Hampton suggests a continued split-backfield approach in future games.
The takeaway
The Chargers appear committed to finding creative ways to leverage Mitchell's speed in open space. Fantasy managers should monitor his snap counts closely to see if he eventually surpasses Hampton as the primary option.
Further reading
For more analysis on team performance, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
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