Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Chase Edmonds

Sunday, January 26, 6:46 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied just 32 all-purpose yards during their loss in the NFC Championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ekeler also lost a fumble. The Commanders were playing from behind throughout most of the contest, putting their rushing attack out of the game plan. However, even when Ekeler was given the ball through the air, he could not perform. He caught five of his seven targets but tallied just 17 yards. His seven targets tied him the second-most on the team, only behind tight end Zach Ertz. Throughout the season, the 29-year-old operated primarily as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield. Entering Sunday, Ekeler posted a strong 10.3 yards per catch and a 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler will likely remain in this role next season as he enters the final year of his contract.

Monday, August 26, 9:06 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) is being placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve on Monday. Meanwhile, wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (undisclosed) will go on IR-designated to return and will be eligible to come back after missing the first four games of the season. Edmonds will miss all of 2024 after missing all of training camp and the preseason with an undisclosed injury. It means that the Bucs will now ask Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker and DJ Williams to step up as depth options in the backfield behind starter Rachaad White. The 28-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 out of Fordham saw only 49 carries for 176 yards (3.6 yards per carry) in his first year with the Bucs in 2023, adding 14 receptions for 81 yards in 13 games. The rookie Irving is the favorite for the RB2 role now that Edmonds' season is over.