Kalen Ballage

Free-agent and former Los Angeles Chargers running back Kalen Ballage has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Field Yates.

Fantasy Impact

Ballage strung together a few good games with the Chargers in the final half of the 2020 season, surprising many with his burst and hard-nosed running. After a slow start under former Jets head coach Adam Gase, Ballage carried 88 times for 290 yards and three touchdowns in eight games while in L.A. The Steelers had one of the league's worst rushing attacks last season and will add the 25-year old running back to their roster alongside Benny Snell Jr. and Jaylen Samuels following the release of James Conner to free agency after a disappointing 2020 campaign. Ballage is good at receiving out of the backfield, catching 20 of 27 targets while in L.A. last year, and will likely see numerous dump-offs from Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger to elevate his value in PPR formats in 2021.

Kalen Ballage rushed 13 times for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 38-21 win over the Chiefs in Week 17.

Fantasy Impact

Ballage had his moments this season, but in the end, he was the same plodding back that he was with Miami. He totaled 303 yards on 91 totes with three touchdowns in 11 games this season. He was a serviceable RB and may find an opportunity on the open market as a free agentt in 2021.

Chargers RB Kalen Ballage rushed for 14 yards on four carries and added two catches for 12 yards in the Chargers' 19-16 win over the Broncos.

Fantasy Impact

The Ballage resurgence is over. Ballage stepped in admirably for the Chargers throughout the season, with their running backs falling victim to injury. He had some excellent weeks but since he's officially the backup to Austin Ekeler; he does not carry much fantasy value heading into Week 17.

Chargers RB Kalen Ballage rushed eight times for 11 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 30-27 win over the Raiders in Week 15.

Fantasy Impact

Ballage didn't find much running room on his eight carries but made the most of his goal-line opportunity by scoring on a one-yard run in the third quarter. Austin Ekeler clearly leads the backfield, but Ballage is still involved in the offense. He'll be a fringe flex play in the fantasy playoffs and is more of an insurance stash in redraft formats.

Chargers RB Kalen Ballage rushed for 14 yards on seven carries and added one reception for six receiving yards in the Chargers' 20-17 win over the Falcons in Week 14.

Fantasy Impact

Ballage took a backseat to Austin Ekeler and he was out-touched 24-to-8. Ballage will not be useful for fantasy managers in the playoffs unless Ekeler goes down with an injury.