Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Cam Akers

Wednesday, October 9, 7:11 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (heel) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) missed the first practice of the week. Ekeler missed Week 4 due to a concussion but returned to action in the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns to touch the ball eight times for 97 scrimmage yards. Robinson had only seven carries for 18 yards but managed to find the end zone twice. The Commanders are going to continue to monitor B-Rob's knee heading into their Week 6 showdown in Baltimore against the Ravens, so even if he's active again this Sunday, Ekeler could pace Washington's backfield in snaps and touches. Jeremy McNichols also had seven carries for 44 yards and a score in Week 5 and could continue to have a role, which isn't great for Ekeler's fantasy upside. Consider Ekeler a WR3/flex option in PPR formats for Week 6.

Sunday, October 6, 4:28 PM

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers scored his second touchdown of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, capping a day in which he had 42 rushing yards on nine carries and caught two of three targets for five yards. The fifth-year back scored on a 15-yard run in the first quarter, his first touchdown of longer than 10 yards since September, 2022. The Florida State product's fantasy relevance going forward, however, will be tied directly to Houston's injury report. Once starting running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is healthy enough to play, Akers' role surely will decrease. Houston travels to New England in Week 6.