Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jonathan Taylor

Tuesday, August 19, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is still viewed as a "key" piece of the offense, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the Commanders were actively looking to find a trade partner for running back Brian Robinson Jr. During training camp and the opening weeks of the preseason, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has flashed immense upside and appears to be in the running to take the starting job over Robinson. Last season, Ekeler served as the primary third-down running back in the offense. While he missed five games, he was rather productive when on the field. During his first 10 games in D.C., Ekeler averaged a solid 12.3 PPR points per game with solid 5.1 YPC. Even if Robinson were to stay on the Commanders, Ekeler would likely have a significant role on passing downs. He is worth a look as a late-round depth RB as he could even carve out a more substantial role if Robinson were to be traded.

Sunday, August 17, 7:29 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor carried the ball once for nine yards and was not targeted in the passing game in a 23-19 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. Taylor got the start and looked good on his lone carry before calling it a day in the close loss to Green Bay. The veteran running back has little to prove in preseason action as he is locked into a workhorse role for the Colts as the regular season approaches. Taylor sets up as a solid RB1 in fantasy leagues, with durability his main red flag as he's missed 10 games over the past two seasons. He is unlikely to play in the Colts' preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals as he turns his eyes toward getting ready for the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.