Austin Ekeler
Running Back #30
Austin Ekeler News
Austin Ekeler Should Continue to Get Touches Vs. Rams
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should get a fair number of snaps and touches in a Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Rams. With running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) currently on injured reserve, and fellow tailback Jeremy McNichols (foot) recently suffering a season-ending foot injury, the Commanders will rely heavily on Ekeler and Rachaad White. The Commanders also recently claimed rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. off of waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. Most recently, Ekeler played 20 offensive snaps in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles, compared to 28 for White. Ekeler rushed the ball eight times for 36 yards (4.5 yards per carry). White led the Commanders' ground attack with 11 carries for 55 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown, while adding two receptions for five yards. While White is likely the preferred ball carrier, Ekeler should remain involved against the Rams. Los Angeles allows 109.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks 14th in the NFL. Ekeler ranks as RotoBaller's No. 40 running back for Week 9. He has some flex appeal, but there are likely better options available.
Nov 7, 2026 5:38 AM EST
Austin Ekeler a Dart Throw in PPR Leagues for Week 8
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler lacks rushing upside, but he could carve out enough receiving volume to get onto the fringe of the fantasy radar in PPR leagues for Week 8. The Commanders have placed Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on injured reserve, bumping Ekeler up to the No. 2 running back role behind Rachaad White for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although White has a pass-catching background, similar to Ekeler, the Commanders may choose to restructure his role while he temporarily fills in for Croskey-Merritt. If White gets more early-down rushing work, then this will open the door for Ekeler to rotate in on passing downs, giving him some intrigue in PPR leagues. His ceiling is capped, but we do think he has a decent chance to eclipse his previous season-high snap share of 27%. We'd rather find a safer option for the RB3/flex spot this week, but he at least warrants a little bit of consideration in PPR leagues with 14+ teams.
Oct 31, 2026 6:51 PM EST
Austin Ekeler's Role Increases Coming Out of the Bye Week
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should have a larger role on offense following the team's Week 7 bye. Ekeler has yet to play more than 27% of the snaps in any of these three games with the Commanders so far this year, but that could change in Week 8 as he steps into a larger role with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) officially landing on injured reserve. The 31-year-old is particularly worth monitoring in PPR leagues, given his long track record of catching passes out of the backfield at the NFL level. While Washington already had Rachaad White in a similar role, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Commanders give White more of Croskey-Merritt's vacated carries, and then, in an effort to keep White's workload in check, give more receiving volume to Ekeler. Whether it's enough to get him on the flex/RB3 radar remains to be seen, but at the very least, the veteran pass-catching back is on the streaming radar for the duration of Croskey-Merritt's absence.
Oct 27, 2026 11:13 PM EST
Austin Ekeler a Short-Term, Deep-League Stash at RB in Washington
The Washington Commanders will be on their bye in Week 7, so the next time veteran running back Austin Ekeler will take the field will be in Week 8 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. The 31-year-old running back does not have much fantasy upside now that he is on the wrong side of 30, but he is on the waiver-wire radar in deep fantasy football leagues this week after the Commanders placed Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on Injured Reserve. With Croskey-Merritt out in the Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Ekeler played only 10% of the offensive snaps for the second straight week and had just one carry for three yards. He added two catches on two targets for four yards. In three games played so far in 2026, Ekeler has only eight rushing attempts for 31 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and four receptions for 30 yards through the air. There could be some more opportunities for Ekeler as long as JCM is out, but Jeremy McNichols just returned from an IR stint and will also battle for touches behind Rachaad White. Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3 of last year and is no longer the slippery and elusive RB in space that he once was.
Oct 20, 2026 6:28 PM EST
Austin Ekeler a Viable Week 6 Streamer with Larger Role
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler will step into the No. 2 role on the depth chart for Monday's Week 6 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. As a result, he could have some streamer appeal in 12+ team leagues, especially those with PPR scoring. Although Rachaad White will likely handle most of the rushing volume with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) sidelined, the receiving work could be split more evenly between White and Ekeler. After all, Ekeler, 31, has made a name for himself throughout his career as a pass-catching specialist out of the backfield. Ekeler has just nine touches for 54 yards through two games this season, but a larger role in Week 6 will give him low-end RB3/flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues.
Oct 18, 2026 6:50 AM EST
Austin Ekeler A Risky Option in Week 6
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler saw his role decrease in Week 5 after playing an immediate role in Week 4, with his snap share dropping from 26.2% to 10%. Now the 31-year-old has been limited and wore a non-contact jersey in practice all week with a chest injury. There was an expectation heading into Week 5 that Ekeler could see more work with the struggles of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), who has now been ruled out for Monday night against the 49ers. Ekeler and Rachaad White should be expected to handle most of the touches in Week 6, assuming both are available. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding Washington's backfield at the moment, and with a Monday night game, it could be one to avoid. Ekeler ranks as RotoBaller's RB48 in PPR leagues for Week 6.
Oct 17, 2026 9:57 AM EST
Austin Ekeler Remains Limited on Friday
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (chest) remained a limited participant during Friday's practice session, per John Keim of ESPN. The veteran back has been limited in back-to-back days ahead of Monday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) hasn't practiced yet this week, and Rachaad White (shoulder) was downgraded to limited on Friday. Ekeler could see a larger role than normal if one or both backs are unable to play this week. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status.
Oct 16, 2026 5:34 PM EST
Austin Ekeler's Waiver Appeal Fades After Reduced Week 5 Role
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has struggled to carve out a meaningful role since returning from the torn Achilles he suffered in 2025, making him a low-priority waiver option heading into Week 6. The 31-year-old veteran rejoined Washington on September 29 and recorded 40 scrimmage yards on five touches against Indianapolis in his first game back. However, his involvement dropped sharply in Sunday's 27-27 tie with the New York Giants, as he managed minus-one rushing yard on three carries and caught his only target for 15 yards. Ekeler played just six offensive snaps (10%), down from 27% in Week 4, with Rachaad White returning from a shoulder injury. White handled 60% of the snaps, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt played 35%, leaving Ekeler firmly behind both backs in the rotation. His receiving experience could eventually earn him more playing time, but two receptions across his first two appearances offer little encouragement for fantasy managers. Washington faces San Francisco in Week 6 before entering its bye, further limiting his short-term appeal. Ekeler is worth monitoring in deeper PPR leagues, though his current workload doesn't justify a roster spot in most standard-sized formats.
Oct 14, 2026 7:33 AM EST
Austin Ekeler Is an Intriguing Deep-League Pickup
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler just joined the Commanders last week, but he stepped right into a significant role in Week 4. He played 27% of snaps against the Colts in London, which was the second-most of the running backs available. The 31-year-old veteran had four carries for 29 yards and tacked on an 11-yard catch on his two targets. He was a passing-down back last year in Washington before sustaining a torn Achilles, and he's rejoined the team in a similar role. Ekeler may have gotten extra playing time with Rachaad White (shoulder) out, and when White returns, it will be an interesting three-back rotation with Jacory Croskey-Merritt likely getting most of the early-down work and White and Ekeler rotating in. Ekeler is worth a look in deep leagues since he will have a role, but he'll be a high-risk play on a week-to-week basis if all three running backs are healthy.
Oct 6, 2026 5:22 AM EST
Austin Ekeler Could See Consistent Role Right Away
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler recently signed a one-year deal with the organization. He's back with Washington after only playing two games last season due to a torn Achilles tendon. The expectation was that Ekeler would play a depth role, but he might have a bigger impact than expected right away. Fellow back Rachaad White (shoulder) has been ruled out for the Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be the lead back with Kaytron Allen and Ekeler getting snaps behind him. Ekeler might be on the field more than expected during his first game back with the team.
Oct 2, 2026 5:23 PM EST
Austin Ekeler to Reunite with Washington Commanders
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, free agent running back Austin Ekeler is set to reunite with his former team, the Washington Commanders, pending a physical. Ekeler recently tried out for the Carolina Panthers following Jonathon Brooks' move to the injured list, but he will instead return to a familiar club. Ekeler spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons in D.C. before suffering a torn Achilles in 2025, which ultimately cut his season short. During the 2024 season, the veteran back served as the primary pass-catcher, catching 35 of 41 targets for 366 yards and adding another 367 yards with four scores on the ground. However, managers should not expect him to take on a similar role with D.C. in his second stint, as the team has relied on Jacory Croskey-Merritt on early downs and Rachaad White on passing downs. While White did exit Sunday's game with a shoulder injury, he eventually returned, suggesting it was not overly serious. For now, Ekeler is best left on the waiver wire and should only be viewed as a deep-league stash option in the event White faces a setback.
Sep 28, 2026 3:34 AM EST
Austin Ekeler Works Out for Panthers on Wednesday, No Deal Imminent
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, per Mike Kaye of ESPN. Kaye reports that Ekeler's workout "went well" but that the veteran back "will not be signing" on Wednesday. Ekeler has not appeared in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear while playing for the Washington Commanders. However, the 31-year-old was productive in a part-time role with Washington in 2024, recording 367 rushing yards, 366 receiving yards, and four touchdowns on 112 touches across 12 games. The Panthers are set to be without running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) for six to eight weeks after Brooks underwent core muscle surgery. If signed, Ekeler would likely step in as the passing-down complement to Carolina RB1 Chuba Hubbard. While Hubbard would still likely shoulder early-down and goal-line work, his fantasy outlook would take a hit if the Panthers bring in Ekeler.
Sep 23, 2026 12:41 PM EST
Austin Ekeler Working Out for the Panthers
Free agent running back Austin Ekeler is set to work out for the Carolina Panthers later on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Ekeler has been a free agent for the entire 2026 season and has not stepped onto an NFL field since Week 2 of the 2025 season. In his last NFL game, Ekeler sustained a serious Achilles tear, which cut his season short. However, the veteran back is attempting to make a comeback to the NFL. Ekeler would be a necessary addition for the Panthers, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network recently reported that Jonathon Brooks is set to undergo core muscle surgery, which will keep him out for at least six weeks. In the 2024 season, Ekeler played a key role in Washington's run to the NFC Championship Game, taking 77 carries for 364 yards and four scores and catching 35 passes for another 356 yards. If Ekeler were to join the Panthers, he would likely take some third-down opportunities, away from the workhorse Chuba Hubbard.
Sep 23, 2026 4:04 AM EST
Austin Ekeler 100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) is 100% fully medically cleared for all football activities after suffering a torn right Achilles last September against the Green Bay Packers, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ekeler intends to play in 2026 and is expected to draw plenty of interest. The 30-year-old was one of the premier pass-catching backs in the NFL in his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before he signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season. He appeared in 12 games (six starts) for Washington in 2024, carrying the ball 77 times for 367 yards and four touchdowns while catching 35 passes for 366 receiving yards. Ekeler missed some time due to a concussion that year before playing in just two games in 2025 before tearing his Achilles. Ekeler might not be the same shifty back in space after his season-ending injury, but he could still give a team some solid pass-catching depth out of the backfield as he nears the end of his career.
Apr 30, 2026 9:22 AM EST
How Much is Left in the Tank for Austin Ekeler?
Pending free agent running back Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.
Feb 10, 2026 9:31 AM EST
Chris Rodriguez Jr. has Team-High 11 Carries in First Game Without Austin Ekeler
Although Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn't all that efficient (3.5 yards per carry) in his 2025 debut in the team's 41-24 blowout win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, he did lead the team with 11 carries. Rodriguez was a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but he was elevated to the active roster for Week 3 after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. The 24-year-old ran for 39 yards on his 11 carries and was not utilized in the passing game. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt was second on the team with eight carries, and he, too, was inefficient with just 26 yards on the ground. Jeremy McNichols and quarterback Marcus Mariota combined for 10 rushing attempts and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Croskey-Merritt has the most upside in the Commanders' backfield moving forward with Ekeler done for the year, but Rodriguez is worth a waiver-wire pickup if you have JCM rostered or are looking for RB depth. Rodriguez is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Sep 22, 2025 12:34 PM EST
Austin Ekeler Suffered Torn Achilles
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles during Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ekeler injured his ankle on the game's final drive while stepping back awkwardly. The lead back for Washington through the first two weeks, Ekeler totaled 14 carries for 43 yards and added five receptions for 38 yards. With 2024 starter Brian Robinson Jr. already traded, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt will now step into the starting role. Ekeler's contract expires after this season, making the injury an even bigger blow for the former star running back.
Sep 13, 2025 11:55 AM EST
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Headed For Significant Role After Austin Ekeler Injury?
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could handle a larger workload after the team lost Austin Ekeler to a suspected torn Achilles on Thursday. Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch through the first two weeks of the season, but he'll likely be active going forward as the Commanders' No. 3 running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Although he'll likely be third on the depth chart, Rodriguez could still carve out a significant, fantasy-relevant workload. Backfield roles in Washington have been quite fluid to start the year. For example, Croskey-Merritt went from 10 touches in Week 1 to just four in Week 2. The door is wide open for any of the three running backs to establish themselves in a higher-volume role, so don't close the book on Rodriguez just yet. He's an intriguing waiver wire option ahead of Week 3.
Sep 12, 2025 1:25 AM EST
Commanders Fear Austin Ekeler Tore his Achilles
The Washington Commanders fear that running back Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles during Thursday's loss to the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He will undergo an MRI. Ekeler suffered the injury on a non-contact play late in the fourth quarter. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran running back will be shut down for the remainder of his age-30 season. Such an outcome would shake up the depth chart in Washington, D.C. Jacory Croskey-Merritt would remain the lead back while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. handle larger roles behind him.
Sep 12, 2025 12:31 AM EST
Austin Ekeler Injured, Carried Off Field with Non-Contact Injury
Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered what appeared to be a serious injury in the fourth quarter of the Thursday Night Football Game between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers, and had to be carried off the field. Due to the non-contact nature of the injury, and the fact that he immediately grabbed at his lower leg area, there is speculation that he may have suffered a torn Achilles. He has officially been ruled out for the game, and we would expect him to miss significant time if not the remainder of the season. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt should be elevated even further into a featured role, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. likely being involved as well. Look for further news updates as we hear more confirmation about the severity of Ekeler's injury after further medical testing.
Sep 11, 2025 11:25 PM EST
Latest Fantasy News
