Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler rushed for 26 yards on six carries and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards in Week 1 versus the New York Giants.

Fantasy Spin: It may only be one week, but it would appear that Washington would love nothing more than to split about 30 touches per week among Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jayden Daniels. Ekeler got the start in this one and remains the obvious top option out of the backfield in the passing game, but it might not take long for Croskey-Merritt to take over as the primary early-down back if he continues to do what he did in Week 1. For now, Ekeler should be considered a solid flex option most weeks, including in a Thursday night showdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

From TheHuddle

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should handle a lot of the work in the Washington backfield in Week 1 against the Giants. Ekeler is coming off a strong bounceback season in his first year with Washington, totaling 733 yards from scrimmage with four touchdowns in 12 games. He still proved deadly as a pass catcher as he led the position in yards per reception at 10.5. Ekeler is likely to take care of the pass-down responsibilities while also maybe taking on more as a rusher this year. But he has also been aware that limiting his reps is best to keep him most effective, and they have capable backs behind him to help carry the load. Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt will likely handle early-down responsibilities and earn volume in carries. Ekeler is the trusted veteran in the room and should get most of the high-value touches, receptions, and rushes inside the 10-yard line. He is a solid flex play for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was once again deployed as the team's RB1 during practice on Wednesday. During a QB/RB drill, JP Finaly of NBC4 reported that Ekeler was given the first opportunity, while seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt followed him. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. followed behind him as the third and fourth running backs. Earlier in the week, Ekeler was listed first on the team's depth chart, and his usage during Wednesday's practice seems to solidify his role as the lead option. During his debut season in Washington, Ekeler served as the primary pass-catching back, but was still very effective on the ground, posting a 4.8 YPC. Given his projected role, Ekeler carries RB2 upside in PPR leagues and strong flex value in standard formats facing the New York Giants in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is listed as the team's lead back on their first unofficial depth chart for the 2025 regular season. Jeremy McNichols is listed as the No. 2, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the third RB and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the RB4. This one is hard to pinpoint entering the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Despite being third and fourth on the depth chart, both Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt are expected to have big roles in this backfield. However, things are shaping up for a committee approach early on for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, with Ekeler expected to handle the third-down role. Rodriguez and JCM could split the early downs, with Rodriguez also potentially having the leg up in short-yardage/goal-line situations. It's not an ideal situation for fantasy managers going into Week 1, with none of the RBs being any better than shaky RB3/flex plays.

From RotoBaller

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From FantasyLife

Dynasty | Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could see an increase in touches following the trade of Brian Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: An elite-level pass catcher and touchdown producer during his time with the Chargers, Ekeler has been relegated to being more of a role player during his time in Washington. However, this trade opens up a lot of room for the backfield and the Commanders are likely going to give him more than the 112 touches he had last season. Again, a lot of attention is being placed on Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but this could help Ekeler as well. He remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues as a player who could have one last burst of real value.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is still viewed as a "key" piece of the offense, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the Commanders were actively looking to find a trade partner for running back Brian Robinson Jr. During training camp and the opening weeks of the preseason, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has flashed immense upside and appears to be in the running to take the starting job over Robinson. Last season, Ekeler served as the primary third-down running back in the offense. While he missed five games, he was rather productive when on the field. During his first 10 games in D.C., Ekeler averaged a solid 12.3 PPR points per game with solid 5.1 YPC. Even if Robinson were to stay on the Commanders, Ekeler would likely have a significant role on passing downs. He is worth a look as a late-round depth RB as he could even carve out a more substantial role if Robinson were to be traded.

From RotoBaller

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From FantasyLife

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From FantasyLife

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From FantasyLife

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From FantasyLife

Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler could be a cut candidate after the team selected RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. The team would gain over $3.4 million in cap savings with a $1.5 million hit in dead money by releasing Ekeler.

Fantasy Spin: Ekeler was the RB34 in 12 games in PPR leagues, and at age 30, he's losing value in the run game. He is still a valuable threat in the passing game, though, and will be an RB3 with some upside if he were to go to a more pass-heavy team.

From TheHuddle