Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or D'Andre Swift

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.

Sunday, July 27, 10:01 AM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was working in two-minute drills during Saturday's practice. The lead back job remains up in the air right now, but Swift seems the most likely starter to open the season. Last season, Swift rushed for 959 yards with six touchdowns while hauling in 42 receptions for an additional 386 yards through the air in 17 games during his first year in Chicago. It's worth noting that the Bears also have Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai competing for touches in the backfield. The Bears do have new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way in Chicago. Possibly, Johnson decides to use Swift in a different role this upcoming season. This is a situation to monitor throughout training camp.