Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Zach Charbonnet

Tuesday, February 10, 9:31 AM

Pending free agent running back Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.

Monday, January 19, 1:52 PM

Updating a previous report, Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a torn ACL in his knee in Saturday's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Charbonnet will require surgery and will not only miss the rest of the playoffs, but he'll most likely miss most of the 2026 season as well, given the timing of his injury. Before tearing his ACL, the 25-year-old third-year back ran the ball five times for 20 yards. Kenneth Walker had 19 carries for a season-high 116 yards and three touchdowns with Charbonnet out. It's a tough ending to Charbonnet's best season in the NFL, as he set career highs across the board during the regular season in carries (184), rushing yards (730), and rushing touchdowns (12). Walker should see a bigger workload the rest of the way in the postseason, with Velus Jones Jr. being elevated to the RB2 role.