Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Kenneth Gainwell

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, March 11, 9:15 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing an undisclosed one-year deal with former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell on Tuesday night, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Gainwell will stay in the state of Pennsylvania and become the change-of pace option behind Jaylen Warren after Najee Harris left in free agency to join the Los Angeles Chargers. The 25-year-old will most likely be used more as a third-down option for Pittsburgh in pass-catching situations. In his four years with the Eagles, Gainwell had 280 carries for 1,185 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and 12 rushing touchdowns while adding 102 catches on 138 targets for 721 yards and an addition touchdown in 66 games (four starts). The Steelers still also have running back Cordarrelle Patterson to share the workload. At best, Gainwell will be a low-ceiling RB3/flex in point-per-reception leagues in his new home.