Austin Ekeler is back. In a surprising move, at least to some, the Washington Commanders re-signed veteran running back Austin Ekeler this week. On Tuesday, the Commanders flew to London for their Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts, and Ekeler joined them.
Here’s Ekeler at Wednesday’s practice in London:
Austin Ekeler returns pic.twitter.com/dNRFh2qWNM
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) September 30, 2026
Ekeler spent the past two seasons with the Commanders after spending his first seven NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. During his time in Los Angeles, Ekeler became the NFL’s best pass-catching back and one of the league’s most versatile offensive threats.
In 2024, Ekeler was one of Washington’s top offensive players. In the Commanders’ surprising 12-5 season and run to the NFC Championship
Game, they were at their best when Ekeler was on the field with sensational rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Unfortunately, his 2025 season ended after two games when Ekeler tore his Achilles in a Week 2 game at Green Bay. Achilles injuries for running backs can be difficult to come back from, especially for a running back over 30. But Ekeler is different.
Ekeler joins a running back room with a couple of familiar faces: Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. McNichols is currently on injured reserve. Washington’s other running backs are Rachaad White and rookie Kaytron Allen. If 100% healthy, Ekeler immediately becomes the Commanders’ top back. That’s no disrespect to the others in the room. He can do a little bit of everything.
Ekeler is happy to be back. How did he describe his role in Washington’s rebuilt running back room?
Austin Ekeler: "I'm the grandpa in the room."
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 30, 2026
You can bet his teammates are happy to have him back. Ekeler’s role is unclear. Over the past two years, Kliff Kingsbury has led Washington’s offense. He’s gone. David Blough is the new offensive coordinator. Ekeler knows Blough, too, as he has been on Washington’s staff since 2024.
The Commanders signed White to handle Ekeler’s role in the passing game. He’s done well through three weeks. That doesn’t mean Ekeler will take White’s snaps. He could serve in several roles, including as an early-down running back or kickoff returner. While Croskey-Merritt is easily the most explosive back on the roster, he sometimes hits the hole too fast and shows a lack of patience. Ekeler has elite patience and vision.
It will be interesting to see how the Commanders use “Grandpa” this week against the Indianapolis Colts.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Austin Ekeler's new role in Washington
