Overview
- Multiple reports say the Washington Commanders plan to sign free agent running back Austin Ekeler to their 53-man roster, pending a team physical.
- Ekeler recently worked out for the Carolina Panthers to show his recovery but was not signed by Carolina, which is keeping Chuba Hubbard, AJ Dillon and Anthony Tyus as its lead depth.
- Ekeler tore his Achilles while with the Commanders and saw just two appearances in 2025 while rehabbing, so the signing would mark an attempt at a comeback from that injury.
- If finalized, the addition would supply Washington with a veteran pass-catching option behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White and is more likely to affect depth than to create an immediate lead back role.
- The report comes from NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, who cited sources and Mike Garafolo, and the transaction remains unfinalized until Ekeler passes the Commanders’ physical.