Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Kaleb Johnson
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Austin Ekeler News
Tuesday, February 10, 9:31 AM
Pending free agent running back Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Kaleb Johnson News
Wednesday, April 1, 10:16 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson will be given opportunities to establish himself as a key part of the team's offense in 2026, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. "I am aware of their past experiences, but this is like a Catholic operation, and you say three Hail Marys and everybody has a clean slate and let's get to work," McCarthy said regarding Johnson (via Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com). The veteran head coach also explained that he's going to "challenge [Johnson] to be a three-down player and a special teamer" going forward. The former third-round pick mostly played on special teams as a rookie last year, amassing just 29 touches and 78 scrimmage yards on offense. The Steelers already have Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in their backfield, but it sounds like Johnson will have an opportunity to prove that he deserves more touches in Year 2. Dynasty managers in deeper leagues should hold Johnson for now. In shallower leagues, it's perfectly appropriate to drop him, despite McCarthy's optimistic comments.
Austin Ekeler vs. Kaleb Johnson
Still trying to decide between Ekeler and Johnson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Austin Ekeler is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Kaleb Johnson is projected to score 0.0 points.
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