Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Zach Charbonnet
Week 3 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
Wednesday, September 23, 12:41 PM
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, per Mike Kaye of ESPN. Kaye reports that Ekeler's workout "went well" but that the veteran back "will not be signing" on Wednesday. Ekeler has not appeared in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear while playing for the Washington Commanders. However, the 31-year-old was productive in a part-time role with Washington in 2024, recording 367 rushing yards, 366 receiving yards, and four touchdowns on 112 touches across 12 games. The Panthers are set to be without running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) for six to eight weeks after Brooks underwent core muscle surgery. If signed, Ekeler would likely step in as the passing-down complement to Carolina RB1 Chuba Hubbard. While Hubbard would still likely shoulder early-down and goal-line work, his fantasy outlook would take a hit if the Panthers bring in Ekeler.
Week 3 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Zach Charbonnet News
Wednesday, September 23, 12:17 PM
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) will not return to practice this week, per Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune. Charbonnet is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from a torn ACL and is not eligible to return until Week 5. However, he is now eligible to begin practicing with the team as he ramps up toward a potential return. While certainly not definitive, Charbonnet's lack of practice participation may signal that he's unlikely to come off the PUP list when first eligible. Without Charbonnet, Seattle has relied on running backs Jadarian Price (shoulder), Emanuel Wilson, and George Holani so far in 2026. Charbonnet recorded 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns across 16 games in 2025 and could take over the team's RB1 role upon his return. He could be worth stashing in an IR spot where possible, but fantasy managers should be aware that Charbonnet may not return until midseason.
Austin Ekeler vs. Zach Charbonnet
Still trying to decide between Ekeler and Charbonnet? 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 Zach Charbonnet is projected to score 0.0 points.
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