Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler's 2023 season was a letdown, no matter how you look at it. Ekeler suffered an ankle sprain in Week 1, which led to three games being missed and possibly muted production for the rest of the season. Once he returned from injury, he averaged 16.1 touches and 69.2 total yards as the RB28 in fantasy points per game. It was a dramatic fall from grace for a back that had not finished outside the top-nine running backs in fantasy since 2018 (RB28). Ekeler retained some of his pass game prowess as he ranked eighth in target share and 19th in yards per route run (among 60 qualifying backs per Fantasy Points Data), but his rushing skills fell apart. Among 49 qualifying backs, Ekeler ranked 38th in yards after contact per attempt and 46th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Landing in Washington with Anthony Lynn was one of the better-case scenarios this offseason. He likely forms a frustrating committee with Brian Robinson in an Antonio Gibson-plus role for Washington.

Austin Ekeler is signing with the Commanders on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler finds a new home after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Chargers. He will likely step into the lead role with Brian Robinson handling a short-yardage and goal line role. It was a step back for Ekeler last season in efficiency, but he'll look to bounce back now with the Commanders.