Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Zach Charbonnet


Week 6 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.1 13.5 0.1 1.2 8.7 0.0

Austin Ekeler News

Austin Ekeler's Waiver Appeal Fades After Reduced Week 5 Role

Wednesday, October 14, 7:33 AM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has struggled to carve out a meaningful role since returning from the torn Achilles he suffered in 2025, making him a low-priority waiver option heading into Week 6. The 31-year-old veteran rejoined Washington on September 29 and recorded 40 scrimmage yards on five touches against Indianapolis in his first game back. However, his involvement dropped sharply in Sunday's 27-27 tie with the New York Giants, as he managed minus-one rushing yard on three carries and caught his only target for 15 yards. Ekeler played just six offensive snaps (10%), down from 27% in Week 4, with Rachaad White returning from a shoulder injury. White handled 60% of the snaps, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt played 35%, leaving Ekeler firmly behind both backs in the rotation. His receiving experience could eventually earn him more playing time, but two receptions across his first two appearances offer little encouragement for fantasy managers. Washington faces San Francisco in Week 6 before entering its bye, further limiting his short-term appeal. Ekeler is worth monitoring in deeper PPR leagues, though his current workload doesn't justify a roster spot in most standard-sized formats.


Week 6 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

Zach Charbonnet Officially Out for Week 6

Wednesday, October 14, 2:18 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 6 game on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Seattle opened Charbonnet's 21-day practice window last Thursday, but he is still not ready to make his 2026 debut after being limited in practice this week. The good news for the Seahawks and fantasy managers is that the 25-year-old has a realistic chance to make his return in a showdown in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price (chest) will miss at least two more games while on Injured Reserve, so if Charb returns next week, he will be sharing the backfield with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Wilson has been Seattle's lead back in the last few weeks, but things could change quickly once Charbonnet returns. The 25-year-old former second-rounder from UCLA had a bigger role last year alongside Kenneth Walker and had his most productive NFL season, rushing for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 regular-season carries, adding 20 catches for 144 yards through the air. Charbonnet figures to be eased in once he makes his season debut, but for his all-around solid skill set, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues.


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 4.1 points this week while Zach Charbonnet is projected to score 0.0 points.