Austin Ekeler - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Runs for 36 yards in SNF win Ekeler rushed eight times for 36 yards in Sunday night's 27-10 win over the Eagles.

Impact The veteran running back wasn't targeted in the passing game on a night Jayden Daniels attempted 29 passes. Involved in a three-way backfield that also includes Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols (foot), Ekeler has minimal fantasy appeal headed into next Sunday's matchup with the Rams' strong defense. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (foot) is required to miss at least one more game on injured reserve.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Commanders enter bye week with questions about who'll step up to replace injured WR Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders got bad, but not unexpected, news on Tuesday when Terry McLaurin was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn left patellar tendon

OCTOBER 20 • Associated Press

Minimal usage in Week 6 loss Ekeler logged a three-yard carry and caught both of his passes for four yards during the Commanders' 23-17 loss to the 49ers on Monday.

Impact Despite the absence of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin, IR), Ekeler was hardly involved in the Commanders' offensive game plan. He was on the field for only seven of Washington's 67 offensive snaps, well behind Rachaad White (45) and even less than the returning Jeremy McNichols (12). Even with Croskey-Merritt out for at least the next three games, It's hard to envision a path to consistent playing time for Ekeler following the Commanders' Week 7 bye, with the team's next contest taking place in Week 8 against the Eagles on Sunday, Nov 1.

OCTOBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared for Week 6 Ekeler (chest) does not carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the 49ers.

Impact Ekeler was limited in all practice all week due to a chest injury, but he's done enough to fade an injury tag for Monday Night Football. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) already ruled out, Ekeler and Rachaad White are both expected to lead the Commanders' backfield for Week 6 against a 49ers defense that has given up only three rushing touchdowns across five regular-season games.

OCTOBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Remains limited Friday Ekeler (chest) remained limited in Friday's practice.

Impact The Commanders are dealing with injuries throughout the backfield, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt (foot) was DNP for a second straight day while Rachaad White continues to work back to 100 percent from his shoulder injury. Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps) also remains on injured reserve, though he's practicing fully this week. In two games back with Washington, Ekeler has rushed seven times for 28 yards, adding two catches for 26 yards on three targets.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with chest issue Ekeler was a limited practice participant Thursday due to a chest injury.

Impact Among those in the Commanders backfield, Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) didn't practice to begin Week 6 prep, Ekeler endured practice restrictions, and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps, IR) was full, leaving just Rachaad White as a healthy body on the active roster. Since re-signing with Washington in late September, Ekeler has received nine touches across two games, which he turned into 54 yards from scrimmage. If Croskey-Merritt ends up sitting out Monday's contest at San Francisco and McNichols remains on injured reserve, Ekeler, assuming he's active, will be in line for increased work alongside White.

OCTOBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

10/08/26 | RB Austin Ekeler Washington Commanders Video: the latest Washington Commanders video clips and series on Commanders.com

OCTOBER 9 • COMMANDERS.COM

Fantasy Football Injury Impact: Rachaad White Returning to Practice, Jacory Croskey-Merritt's Role Takes Hit Our Week 5 injury update for Rachaad White discusses how his return affects Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler in fantasy football.

OCTOBER 7 • SI.COM

RB Austin Ekeler | 10/04/26 Washington Commanders Video: the latest Washington Commanders video clips and series on Commanders.com

OCTOBER 6 • COMMANDERS.COM

Tallies 40 yards in 2026 debut Ekeler turned four carries into 29 yards and added an 11-yard catch on two targets during the Commanders' 30-13 loss to the Colts on Sunday in London.

Impact Ekeler signed with the Commanders on Tuesday and was immediately involved in the offense Sunday due to the absence of Rachaad White (shoulder). Ekeler's 17 offensive snaps were second-most on the Commanders behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt (29) and ahead of rookie Kaytron Allen (12). However, despite logging only four carries, Ekeler's 29 rushing yards were most among Washington's running backs and second on the team behind QB Marcus Mariota (35). Given Ekeler's efficiency in limited touches, he could remain involved in the gameplan for Week 5 against the Giants even if White is cleared to return.

OCTOBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Kaliakmanis replaces injured Mariota as Commanders lose to Colts in London

The Commanders are headed back to Washington dealing with yet another quarterback injury

OCTOBER 4 • Associated Press

Isaiah Davis or Austin Ekeler? Fantasy football start-sit advice for Week 4 Rachaad White's shoulder injury opens a pass-catching job for a 31-year-old veteran, while Breece Hall's absence leaves the Jets with two he...

OCTOBER 4 • THEBIGLEAD.COM

Fantasy Football Injury Impact: Rachaad White Ruled Out, Clearing the Way for Jacory Croskey-Merritt Check out how Rachaad White being ruled out for the Commanders affects Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Austin Ekeler in fantasy football in Week...

OCTOBER 2 • SI.COM

RB Austin Ekeler | 09/30/26 Washington Commanders Video: the latest Washington Commanders video clips and series on Commanders.com

SEPTEMBER 30 • COMMANDERS.COM

Officially signs on with Washington Ekeler signed a one-year contract with the Commanders on Tuesday, Zach Selby of the team's official site reports.

Impact Ekeler will make his return to Washington for a third season, after his 2025 campaign came to an end after just two games due to a torn Achilles tendon. The 31-year-old received full medical clearance in the spring but remained unsigned throughout the preseason and first three weeks of the regular season before Washington added him back to a running-back room that includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen. With White having established himself as the Commanders' top pass-catching/change-of-pace option out of the backfield, Ekeler may struggle to carve out a consistent role on offense.

SEPTEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Set to rejoin Commanders Ekeler is expected to sign with the Commanders, pending a physical, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Ekeler's 2025 campaign was cut short by a torn Achilles sustained a little over a year ago, but he was cleared to participate in football activities in April, and as long as things check out on his upcoming evaluation it appears he will rejoin the team he spent the past two seasons with.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Works out for Panthers Wednesday Ekeler worked out for the Panthers on Wednesday, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Jonathon Brooks (core) was placed on injured reserve, so the Panthers have a void to fill in the backfield. While things went well for Ekeler on Wednesday, he did not sign a contract with Carolina. The veteran appeared in 117 regular-season games with the Chargers and Commanders throughout his career, amassing 4,765 yards and 43 touchdowns off 1,081 carries, adding 480 catches (604 targets) for 4,288 yards and 30 touchdowns. The door may still be open for Ekeler as it relates to a potential deal with the Panthers, though he likely won't have a prominent role even if he does sign with the team.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Works out for Carolina Ekeler is set to work out for the Panthers on Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact With Ekeler back to full health, the veteran running back could move closer to landing his next opportunity after remaining a free agent. His workout suggests Carolina is evaluating backfield depth, with Ekeler offering proven pass-catching experience if he signs.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Why the Green Bay Packers should sign Austin Ekeler before the 2026 NFL season | Sporting News The Green Bay Packers need to add more depth and firepower to their running back room, which is why the team should sign former Los Angeles...

JULY 3 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Commanders Roster Ranking No. 21: Why Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt Has to Prove it All Over Again The Washington Commanders started the 2025 season with Austin Ekeler as their top running back and a seventh-round pick who wanted to be cal...

JUNE 10 • SI.COM

Top NFL Free-Agent RBs 2026: Joe Mixon, Austin Ekeler & Veteran Fantasy Football Outlook Breakdown of 2026 NFL free-agent RBs Joe Mixon, Austin Ekeler, and more veterans, their roles, team fits, and fantasy football value if they...

MAY 5 • SI.COM

Commanders fans won't like where Austin Ekeler rumors are suddenly pointing Austin Ekeler is reportedly generating interest.

MAY 4 • RIGGOSRAG.COM

Commanders free agent Austin Ekeler gets major injury update | Sporting News He's a bit of a forgotten man at the moment.

MAY 1 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Attains medical clearance Ekeler (Achilles) recently received full medical clearance for football activities and intends to continue his playing career in 2026, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact Ekeler's 2025 season with the Commanders came to an end in Week 2, when he tore his right Achilles tendon on a non-contact play. The veteran running back underwent surgery soon thereafter and has apparently made a smooth recovery. While he's set to turn 31 years old in May, Ekeler isn't far removed from being one of the NFL's top pass-catching backs and could offer some utility in a depth role. Ekeler remains a free agent, but now that he's been given a clean bill of health, his market could pick up as teams look to fill out their running-back rooms prior to training camp.

APRIL 30 • ROTOWIRE

Chargers are trying to find next Austin Ekeler with quirky minicamp invite The Los Angeles Chargers invited Western Colorado QB Drew Nash to rookie minicamp, who hails from the same college as franchise legend Austi...

APRIL 27 • BOLTBEAT.COM

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Commanders enter bye week with questions about who'll step up to replace injured WR Terry McLaurin

Kaliakmanis replaces injured Mariota as Commanders lose to Colts in London