One day after the Washington Commanders shocked the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks to pick up their first win, they’re bringing back a familiar face. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Commanders are expected to sign free-agent running back Austin Ekeler.
Ekeler, 31, spent the past two seasons with the Commanders and tore his Achilles in Washington’s Week 2 game at Green Bay last season. In 2024, Ekeler played in 12 games for the Commanders, rushing for 367 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also caught 35 passes for 366 yards and averaged over 31 yards per kickoff return.
In two games last season, Ekeler rushed for 43 yards and caught five passes for 38 yards.
Reunion: The #Commanders
are expected to sign FA RB Austin Ekeler to their 53-man roster pending physical, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Ekeler, who is healed from an Achilles tear and worked out for the #Panthers last week, lands back in a familiar place. pic.twitter.com/YZGlmGdFjK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2026
Before coming to Washington, Ekeler spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. During his time with Los Angeles, Ekeler was known as the NFL’s best pass-catching back, catching 440 passes for 3,884 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for 4,355 yards and 39 touchdowns during his time with the Chargers.
Ekeler has dealt with injuries over the last three seasons. He missed three games in 2023 with L.A., followed by five with the Commanders in 2024, when he suffered two separate concussions.
He joins a backfield of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen. Jeremy McNichols remains on injured reserve for Washington.
Ekeler worked out for the Carolina Panthers last week and is fully cleared.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders reuniting with former starting running back
