Heading into Week 4, the Carolina Panthers are still thin at the running back position. Trevor Etienne remains sidelined by an ankle sprain he suffered during the preseason, while Jonathon Brooks has been placed on injured reserve for a groin issue that's expected to keep him out at least six weeks.
The Panthers did look into to signing some outside help to the room, bringing in former Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler for a workout in the middle of last week. However, Ekeler will reportedly be returning to the Washington Commanders, instead.
We may never know how serious Carolina was about actually inking Ekeler, but ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler tweeted that they were "in the thick of it" for the two-time touchdown leader.
Carolina
and Washington were in the thick of it for Ekeler, who returns to familiar spot while skipping the practice squad. https://t.co/9r0mSHyxCe
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 28, 2026
Ekeler spent the previous two seasons with Washington, totaling 410 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. The 31-year-old now likely projects as the Commanders' No. 4 option at running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen.
As for the Panthers, they may continue rolling with three running backs on game days. Chuba Hubbard is still the starter, with AJ Dillon as his No. 2. They also elevated Anthony Tyus III from the practice squad for Sunday's game against Cleveland.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Insider: Panthers were 'in the thick of it' for 2-time NFL TD champ
