Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or TreVeyon Henderson

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.

Wednesday, June 18, 12:16 PM

The Athletic's Chad Graff offers skepticism as to whether New England Patriots rookie second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson can be a true bell-cow back in the future, mainly given his injury history. Henderson suffered a broken foot as a sophomore at Ohio State, which required surgery, and then missed more time as a junior with an undisclosed injury. He's also a bit undersized for a RB at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds. But the 22-year-old was a second-rounder because he has blazing speed and big-play ability, which the Patriots have been lacking at the position. Henderson is a true home run threat who can make plays as a receiver and as a runner. His development between the tackles will be something to watch, although most of that work will go to Rhamondre Stevenson in 2025. Henderson will have more value as a high-end RB3 in PPR leagues in his first year in the NFL.