Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Kenneth Walker III

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.

Thursday, August 21, 12:06 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (foot) is in full pads at practice on Thursday for the third straight day, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. Walker suffered a minor foot injury earlier this month and had been alternating practice days as a precaution given his lengthy history with lower-body ailments. The 24-year-old appears to be moving past the foot issue in the final week of the preseason, but he'll probably be held out of the finale this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. Walker has been very productive for Seattle and fantasy managers when he's healthy, but he's almost guaranteed to miss some time again in 2025 due to injury. It's why the Seahawks have hinted that they will involve Zach Charbonnet more in order to try and keep Walker available. He has become a risk/reward RB2 for fantasy purposes.