Commander Country

Will Austin Ekeler return to Commanders next season after injuries?

Austin Ekeler could leave the Washington Commanders after one season.
Jeremy Brener|
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders were hoping to get a boost in the backfield this season from veteran Austin Ekeler, and that's exactly what happened.

Ekeler carried the ball 77 times for 367 yards and four touchdowns for the Commanders while also catching 35 passes for 366 yards.

While Ekeler was strong this year, Bleacher Report analyst Alex Ballentine believes Ekeler has decent trade value and the Commanders could look to explore it.

READ MORE: Should the Washington Commanders trade for Myles Garrett?

NFL Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler
NFL Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler | Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Ekeler on the move?

"Austin Ekeler could also be dangled in trade talks. Brian Robinson Jr. showed he's the top back in their offense. However, a 30-year-old running back who suffered multiple concussions in 2024 isn't likely to draw a return," Ballentine writes.

Ekeler's injuries should cause some concern, but the Commanders still have value with him on the roster whether hurt or healthy.

While Robinson is in the fold as well, this season proved how important it was for the Commanders to have depth in the running back room. While Chris Rodriguez Jr. could fill that spot, having a veteran like Ekeler that can run and catch is an underrated quality, and the Commanders should think twice about moving him if the opportunity arrises.

READ MORE: Best and worst graded 2024 Washington Commanders offensive players

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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