Austin Ekeler Set to Rejoin Commanders Midseason

Veteran running back Austin Ekeler is reportedly poised to rejoin the Commanders midseason, signing with the team and being added to their 53-man roster pending a physical. The move comes as Ekeler has fully recovered from a torn Achilles tendon he sustained in Week 2 of the previous season.

Ekeler, 31, recently worked out for the Carolina Panthers following an injury to their running back Jonathon Brooks. His impending return to Washington marks a reunion with the team he played for over the last two seasons. During his tenure with the Commanders, injuries limited his appearances, resulting in 14 games played and eight starts. In those games, he accumulated 410 rushing yards on 91 carries with four touchdowns, and 404 receiving yards on 40 receptions.

Sources indicate Ekeler's signing is not directly related to any current injuries within the Commanders' backfield, such as Rachaad White's shoulder issue. White, who leads the team in scrimmage yards this season, was able to return to play in Washington's recent win. The Commanders' current running back room includes leading rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt and rookie Kaytron Allen. Ekeler's addition is expected to provide depth and familiarity to a developing group.

Prior to joining Washington, Ekeler spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017. In Los Angeles, he established himself as a versatile, all-purpose back, recording over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in four seasons and surpassing 1,500 yards three times. Across his nine NFL seasons, Ekeler has amassed 480 career receptions for 4,288 yards and 30 touchdowns.