Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Dalvin Cook

Monday, March 11, 7:05 PM

Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler is signing with the Washington Commanders on Monday on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, according to sources. Ekeler is headed to the East coast after seven seasons and 69 total touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old was extremely productive in his time with the Bolts, but he's coming off one of his worst statistical seasons in 2023 and is now heading to a Commanders backfield where he'll be expected to split the workload with Brian Robinson. On a side note, former Commanders RB Antonio Gibson agreed to join the New England Patriots. Gone are the days of Ekeler being a no-doubt RB1 for fantasy managers, although he still has the talent to be a highly productive RB3/flex option, especially in PPR leagues. In addition, the Commanders' signing of Ekeler is going to be bad news for B-Rob's fantasy ceiling.

Thursday, January 18, 12:03 PM

The Baltimore Ravens signed running back Dalvin Cook from their practice squad to the 53-man active roster on Thursday, and he's expected to make his Ravens debut in Saturday's Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans, according to his agency. The Ravens waived running back Melvin Gordon III on Wednesday to open up a roster spot for Cook. Baltimore signed the 28-year-old at the end of the regular season to give them some more depth behind Gus Edwards and Justice Hill after the Ravens' backfield has been lackluster to close out the regular season. It's not like Cook is going to be a savior, though, as he averaged a career-worst 3.2 yards per carry with no touchdowns in 15 games for the New York Jets in 2023. Expect Cook to operate as the No. 3 behind Edwards and Hill on Saturday, giving him very little DFS appeal.