Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler to Elevate Passing Game?

The Washington Commanders signed running back Austin Ekeler in free agency, and ESPN says that he needs to be productive in the passing game as well.

Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders' free agency splurge this offseason included the surprise signing of Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler.

With Antonio Gibson leaving in free agency, a partner for Brian Robinson Jr. was needed and that turned out to be Ekeler. The running back had a down season in 2023 for the Chargers, posting his lowest rushing total since 2020 (628 yards) and only managed five touchdowns.

Ekeler made his name as a dual-threat running back and had 177 receptions in 2021 and 2022 for the Chargers. But last season only caught 51 passes for 436 yards and one touchdown.

Now in Washington as part of Kliff Kingsbury's offense, ESPN writes that Ekeler simply must be a productive weapon in the passing game for the Commanders in 2024.

"Washington didn't try to re-sign Antonio Gibson but did need another back to pair with Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez," ESPN writes. "Ekeler has been a productive back in his first seven seasons with 8,239 total yards from scrimmage. In Kliff Kingsbury's offense, they needed another back with pass-catching experience. Ekeler wasn't as productive running last season, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. But he doesn't need to carry the ball as often as he did in the past with Robinson and Rodriguez also capable. Ekeler does need to be productive in the pass game."

Jan 7, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

While Ekeler had a down year stats-wise, compared to the Commanders running backs, he didn't fare too badly. Robinson Jr. only had 105 more rushing yards (Ekeler had one more rushing attempt) and had 68 fewer receiving yards. Gibson was the change-up to Robinson and had 363 fewer yards and 47 fewer receiving yards. Ekeler had six combined touchdowns, while Robinson Jr. and Gibson totaled 12.

So there isn't a lot of difference between the trio and keep in mind that last season wasn't one of Ekeler's best years. Now in a new city with a new team, Ekeler will want to hit the ground running with Kingsbury's offense.

Robinson Jr. is the RB1 at the time of writing, so Ekeler won't need to be the bell cow he was for the Chargers, which could bode well for fans to see his trademark explosiveness out of the backfield as a runner and receiver.

With the Commanders set to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, having a weapon like Ekeler be productive in both the run and pass game will be hugely benefitical in taking the pressure of the young star.

Quick, crisp throws to Ekeler and Robinson to then allow them to do their work in open space could be an easy way to get their young quarterback in rhythm early in games.

Establishing the run game with Ekeler is highly valued, but perhaps what will give Washington's offense an extra boost is having him consistently contribute as a receiver.