The Burgundy and Gold are bringing back a familiar face just in time for their trip across the pond.
On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders officially signed veteran running back Austin Ekeler to the 53-man roster, bringing him back after a torn Achilles cut his 2025 season short.
Here’s why this reunion makes total sense, how close he was to landing elsewhere, and what it means for the Washington backfield moving forward.
A Narrow Escape from Carolina
It almost didn’t happen. Just last week, Ekeler was in Charlotte working out for the Carolina Panthers. He was on the verge of joining their practice squad, but they never finalized a deal. When the opportunity to return to a locker room he already knew presented itself, Washington swooped in and secured him for the active 53-man roster instead.
Why Washington Needed Him Now
The Commanders’ backfield took a major hit during Sunday’s thrilling 33-31 victory over the Seahawks. With Rachaad White suffered a shoulder injury on the final offensive play of the first half. He did return later and got a key first down on Washington’s game-sealing drive. However, White was seen with an ice wrap over his shoulder after the game.
Jeremy McNichols is already sidelined on injured reserve. Losing White for any time makes Washington’s running back depth dangerously thin.
White has proven to be a highly effective dual-threat weapon for the offense. Through the first three weeks of the 2026 season, White has logged 22 carries for 100 rushing yards with a highly efficient 4.5 yards per carry. Factoring in his pass-catching, White had already compiled 248 total yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown. His absence could be a massive void.
Stepping into the spotlight has been second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The coaching staff has leaned on him heavily, feeding him 47 carries through three games. While Croskey-Merritt has found the endzone once, he has struggled to find explosive lanes, managing 142 rushing yards for an average of just 3.0 yards per carry.
Injuries could leave only Croskey-Merritt and Kaytron Allen healthy at running back. Entering a key stretch of the schedule, the front office desperately needed a reliable veteran presence who understands the organizational culture, can stabilize the rotation immediately, and can ease pressure on Croskey-Merritt. Ekeler fits that bill perfectly.
Ekeler is solid in pass protection, and is a safety net in the passing game. Through nine seasons, Ekeler has 480 receptions and 30 receiving touchdowns.
Could Austin Ekeler Spark the Return Game?
The Commanders’ return game has been a revolving door through the first month of the season, and Austin Ekeler’s arrival might just provide the stability the special teams unit desperately needs.
Rookie Jaylin Lane initially handled the return duties but struggled with consistency, particularly in the challenging matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Recognizing the need for a spark, the coaching staff pivoted in Week 3 against the Seahawks, deploying wide receiver Luke McCaffrey and running back Rachaad White.
The adjustment showed immediate promise—White broke off an explosive 38-yard kick return during the thrilling 33-31 victory. However, with White now nursing a shoulder injury, that brief special-teams success is in jeopardy.
This is where Ekeler’s versatility becomes a massive asset. While he is best known for his elite pass-catching out of the backfield, Ekeler has proven experience fielding kicks in the NFL. Plugging a steady, sure-handed veteran into the return role solves an immediate problem for head coach Dan Quinn.
The London Timeline: Dan Quinn’s Plan
The Commanders are heading to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Colts this Sunday, and Ekeler is expected to be on the flight.
Head coach Dan Quinn didn’t hesitate when discussing Ekeler’s immediate future. “We definitely expect him to travel and be a part of this week,” Quinn told reporters. “New system for him on offense, but not so much on the team side. We’ll get him into the mix and see what the next three days look like.”
Quinn also stressed the intangibles Ekeler brings back to the facility, noting, “It was very cool to have Austin here. A great teammate, really one [that is] respected here.”
What This Means for the RB Room
Bringing Ekeler up to speed will require a brief ramp-up period as he learns the nuances of the new offensive scheme. However, his arrival provides an immediate safety net.
For younger backs like Croskey-Merritt and Allen, having a veteran pro like Ekeler in the meeting room takes the pressure off carrying the entire load. Once Ekeler is fully acclimated on game days, he offers elite pass-catching out of the backfield and veteran savvy, adding a dynamic layer to an offense that has battled attrition through the first month of the season.
Re-signing Austin Ekeler isn’t just a depth move; it’s a calculated, necessary addition for a team looking to build momentum overseas.
