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Commanders' All-Pro Running Back Might Not Survive Roster Cuts originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Running back Austin Ekeler joined the Washington Commanders last season after seven years in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
Ekeler was an important part of the Chargers offense, particularly when he led the league in touchdowns with 20 in 2021 and 18 in 2022.
He also had his top two career rushing seasons in those two years with 911 and 915 yards, respectively.
In his first season in Washington, as the Commanders enjoyed their highest win total since their last Super Bowl season in 1991, Ekeler posted just 367 yards on 77 carries with four touchdowns and 366 yards on 35 receptions.
But with a crowded running back room this offseason, Ekeler could find himself squeezed out for younger options.
PFSN believes Ekeler is a "shocking cut candidate" before the 2025 season starts.
"Austin Ekeler didn't come close to leading the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns last year like he did in both 2021 and 2022," PFSN wrote. "He did, however, carve out a nice niche for himself in the Washington Commanders' offense as a receiving back and a second-team All-Pro kick returner. However, Ekeler turned 30 this offseason, and the Commanders would save over $3.4 million by cutting him.
"They have young backs like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez in the wings, and players like Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane could push for the returner spot."
Ekeler has just one year left on his deal in Washington, and at 30 years old, it would likely be his last with the Commanders anyway ... if he makes it that far.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
Running back Austin Ekeler joined the Washington Commanders last season after seven years in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
Ekeler was an important part of the Chargers offense, particularly when he led the league in touchdowns with 20 in 2021 and 18 in 2022.
He also had his top two career rushing seasons in those two years with 911 and 915 yards, respectively.
In his first season in Washington, as the Commanders enjoyed their highest win total since their last Super Bowl season in 1991, Ekeler posted just 367 yards on 77 carries with four touchdowns and 366 yards on 35 receptions.
But with a crowded running back room this offseason, Ekeler could find himself squeezed out for younger options.
PFSN believes Ekeler is a "shocking cut candidate" before the 2025 season starts.
"Austin Ekeler didn't come close to leading the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns last year like he did in both 2021 and 2022," PFSN wrote. "He did, however, carve out a nice niche for himself in the Washington Commanders' offense as a receiving back and a second-team All-Pro kick returner. However, Ekeler turned 30 this offseason, and the Commanders would save over $3.4 million by cutting him.
"They have young backs like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez in the wings, and players like Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane could push for the returner spot."
Ekeler has just one year left on his deal in Washington, and at 30 years old, it would likely be his last with the Commanders anyway ... if he makes it that far.
Related: Analyst Questions Commanders Defense Ahead of 2025
Related: Commanders' Second-Year Wideout Tabbed for 'Breakout Season'
Related: Commanders' Second-Year Wideout Tabbed for 'Breakout Season'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...