The Commanders are bringing back a familiar face to help bolster their backfield.
On Monday, the NFL Network reported that the Commanders are expected to sign free agent running back Austin Ekeler, who played for the team during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The 31-year-old joins a Washington running back room that’s been led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White through three games. Croskey-Merritt is averaging just 3 yards per carry as the Commanders primary ball carrier (although he did have a long touchdown run wiped out by a penalty Sunday against Seattle), while White has been used more frequently as a receiver out of the backfield.
When healthy, Ekeler is one of the NFL’s better all-purpose running backs. Undrafted out of Division II Western Colorado in 2017, Ekeler led the NFL in touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, with 18 and 20, respectively, with a strong mix of scoring as a running back and pass-catcher. After playing for the Chargers from 2017 to 2023, Ekeler signed a two-year contract with the Commanders in 2024.
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He earned All-Pro honors as a kick returner with the Commanders in 2024, but tore his Achilles in the second week of the 2025 season. Ekeler worked out for the Panthers last week, according to the NFL Network, but chose to reunite with the Commanders instead.
Ekeler’s signing comes a day after the Commanders shocked the reigning champion Seahawks, 33-31, with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels. The team heads to London to face the Colts next Sunday in a game that will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET.
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