Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaylen Warren

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.

Tuesday, August 5, 10:13 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was listed as the top running back on the team's initial preseason depth chart. Veteran Kenneth Gainwell is listed behind only Warren, while rookie Kaleb Johnson is the third back on the depth chart. Johnson has been struggling with pass coverage, according to reports, which could limit his role early in the season and give Warren and Gainwell a chance to dominate the workload. Warren has always been excellent in pass coverage and could benefit from Aaron Rodgers' tendency to check down to running backs. Johnson could still earn short-yardage and goal-line work as the preseason continues, but for now, Warren looks to be the clear frontrunner for work in the Steelers' backfield.