Just a day after the Washington Commanders upset the defending Super Bowl Champions, the offense could be getting a boost from a familiar face.
Despite putting up 33 points on the Seattle Seahawks, the Commanders struggled to run the ball all game. As a unit, the Commanders mustered just 82 yards on 32 rush attempts. Washington’s second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has handled the bulk of the load so far, but has accumulated just 142 yards rushing on 47 attempts in three games. On Sunday, JCM rushed 19 times for 36 yards, although he did have a 48-yard touchdown nullified by a penalty.
Veteran Rachaad White was more efficient with his touches, producing 35 yards rushing on eight attempts, as well as catching a six-yard touchdown pass. Neither back has been able to add any explosiveness to an offense that has had just one rushing play of over 20 yards this season. White also picked up a shoulder injury during Sunday’s game, but was able to return to the field.
That could change as soon as Sunday when the Commanders take on the Indianapolis Colts in London, England. The Commanders are believed to be reuniting with former All-Pro running back Austin Ekeler, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
Ekeler last played for the Commanders in 2025 before suffering a torn Achilles in the second game of the season. His two-year deal with Washington expired after the season, and Ekeler has been looking for a new home after working his way back from injury. Last week, Ekeler had a workout with the Carolina Panthers, who lost Jonathon Brooks for at least six weeks after he underwent core muscle surgery.
At the age of 31, Ekeler’s days as a workhorse back are behind him, especially after returning from such a devastating injury. What Ekeler will bring is elite receiving skills and the ability to make big plays in the open field. The Commanders are clearly looking for a spark in their running back room, and with Ekeler, it is a low-risk investment that could help add an extra element of explosiveness that both Croskey-Merritt and White have failed to show.
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