Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Breece Hall

Tuesday, August 19, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is still viewed as a "key" piece of the offense, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the Commanders were actively looking to find a trade partner for running back Brian Robinson Jr. During training camp and the opening weeks of the preseason, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has flashed immense upside and appears to be in the running to take the starting job over Robinson. Last season, Ekeler served as the primary third-down running back in the offense. While he missed five games, he was rather productive when on the field. During his first 10 games in D.C., Ekeler averaged a solid 12.3 PPR points per game with solid 5.1 YPC. Even if Robinson were to stay on the Commanders, Ekeler would likely have a significant role on passing downs. He is worth a look as a late-round depth RB as he could even carve out a more substantial role if Robinson were to be traded.

Sunday, August 17, 2:46 AM

New York Jets running back Breece Hall rushed for 26 yards on seven carries in his team's 31-12 loss to the New York Giants on Saturday. He failed to bring in his only target. Hall saw the team's first carry two plays into their opening possession, but was immediately relieved for backfield mate Braelon Allen on the next play from scrimmage. Allen was promptly stuffed for no gain on third-and-short, but remained on the field as the offense went for it on fourth down. The duo split pretty evenly for the next two series, with Hall out-touching him 7-to-4, though Allen notably operated in short-yardage situations. Whether that was the plan or a coincidence is unclear, but it's undoubtedly concerning for Hall's touchdown upside, as it leaves the door open for Allen to vulture him in those instances. Whatever the split, it seems these two are fated to cannibalize each other this season in the Jets' rushing attack. With the added threat of quarterback Justin Fields around the goal line, this backfield could be a source of headaches for fantasy managers. The Iowa State product will get one more preseason opportunity to make his case to be the lead back when New York squares off against the Philadelphia Eagles next Friday.