You may see more of Austin Ekeler this week than anticipated.
The Washington Commanders signed Ekeler Monday, giving them four running backs. They didn’t make a running back move because they didn’t need to. Linebacker Leo Chenal was moved to injured reserve after suffering a season-ending neck injury Sunday against the Seahawks. Ekeler was then signed to the 53-man roster.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn offered a glimpse into what he might be thinking about Ekeler this week. Quinn told the media Wednesday that the practice format would be a jog. A limited exertion, since the team had just traveled to London.
“In fact, everybody will be in that same space with one exception,” Quinn said. “[RB] Rachaad White is still dealing with his shoulder.
It’s still banging. So, he needs more treatment, more time and rehab on it. So, we will have a better assessment for him as we get through the week.”
Austin Ekeler returns pic.twitter.com/dNRFh2qWNM
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 30, 2026
This could mean rookie Kaytron Allen gets more reps this week, especially on short runs. It could also mean the Commanders use starter Jacory Croskey-Merritt on some third downs that would have been reserved for White. That also leaves room for the Commanders to prep Ekeler for some third-down situations. This would let him focus on those and play when they arise vs. the Colts on Sunday.
Ekeler is consequently taking a crash course this week on some aspects of the new David Bough offense. He conveyed to the media.
"It’s like drinking through a fire hose trying to get everything going,” he said. “These guys have been going at it for months, and now I am here. I have been at it for two days. I know football, but I have to see what they call it here. I know the concepts, but it’s learning the terminology. And then on the fly, because, as you know, there are checks at the line (of scrimmage). It’s re-identifying who you have...”
It sure looks like Ekeler will be active in his first week back with the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Could Austin Ekeler have a significant role for Commanders in London?
