Sources: Commanders set for Ekeler reunion, will add veteran to RB room

• 

  John KeimSep 28, 2026, 06:44 AM ET

  Close

  John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.

ASHBURN, Va. -- Austin Ekeler is set to return to Washington, as the Commanders are expected to sign the veteran running back, pending a physical, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo on Monday.

Ekeler played the past two seasons for Washington, but he ruptured his Achilles in Week 2 in 2025. He was a key offensive player for the Commanders in 2024 on their run to the NFC Championship Game but missed five games due to two concussions.

He worked out for the Carolina Panthers last week.

Ekeler was signed mostly for depth, and his role, as of now, remains uncertain. The Commanders have used Rachaad White as a third-down back. He injured his shoulder Sunday but did return and Ekeler's signing isn't related to that injury, according to a team source. White leads Washington with 151 yards from scrimmage, including 51 receiving.

Washington also has Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has rushed for a team-high 142 yards this season, and rookie Kaytron Allen.

Injuries have impacted the past three seasons for Ekeler. He also missed three games in 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers because of an ankle injury that affected him beyond the games he sat out.

But Ekeler was productive when healthy for the Commanders. In 14 games, he has caught 40 passes for 404 yards and rushed 91 times for 410 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 31.3 yards on 19 kickoff returns in 2024, earning him second-team All-Pro honors.

Ekeler entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed by the Chargers in 2017. In seven seasons with the Chargers as an all-purpose back, he topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage in four seasons and surpassed 1,500 yards three times. In his nine-year career, Ekeler has gained 9,053 yards from scrimmage and scored 73 touchdowns.