Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Michael Penix Jr.

Saturday, September 13, 11:55 AM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles during Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Ekeler injured his ankle on the game's final drive while stepping back awkwardly. The lead back for Washington through the first two weeks, Ekeler totaled 14 carries for 43 yards and added five receptions for 38 yards. With 2024 starter Brian Robinson Jr. already traded, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt will now step into the starting role. Ekeler's contract expires after this season, making the injury an even bigger blow for the former star running back.

Tuesday, September 16, 3:45 PM

The Atlanta Falcons really did not need to rely on the left arm of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Week 2 in their 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Penix attempted only 21 passes on the night, completing 13 of them for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He carried the ball just once for a loss of a yard and was sacked three times for a loss of 27 yards. The Falcons were content to let running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier carry the load in a game in which Atlanta was ahead from start to finish. When Penix dropped back to pass, he mostly worked the short areas of the field. This type of game script could happen again in Week 3 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but Penix showed in Week 1 that he can sling the ball around the yard when needed, as he nearly threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. Penix is a solid QB2 stash with upside in his first year as the Falcons' full-time starter under center.