Commanders Expected to Bring Back Austin Ekeler

The Washington Commanders are expected to bring running back Austin Ekeler back to their 53-man roster, according to reports attributed to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The move is pending a physical in some accounts, and the sources do not establish that Ekeler has completed the physical or signed a contract. Ekeler, who played for Washington in 2024 and 2025, is returning to the team after going unsigned this offseason. He worked out with the Carolina Panthers last week, but no agreement was finalized, according to one report. The Commanders’ reported plan would give the veteran another opportunity in Washington, where an Achilles tear ended his 2025 season. The reports say Ekeler appeared in two games for the Commanders in 2025 before the injury. His specific role if the deal is completed has not been announced. Accounts characterize him as likely to provide depth rather than displace the team’s current top running backs, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. Washington has other options in its backfield, including rookie Kaytron Allen, according to one account.