The Washington Commanders lost running back Austin Ekeler to a torn Achilles in a Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. A big part of Washington’s offense and a safety valve for quarterback Jayden Daniels was gone.
While Washington managed to receive solid production from its running backs throughout the season, replacing Ekeler’s ability on third downs was almost impossible. Ekeler, who turns 31 in May, will be a free agent in March. While he hasn’t revealed his future plans, it appears his time in Washington is over.
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Ekeler took to Instagram on Monday to thank the Commanders and their fans.
Ekeler is one of the NFL’s best success stories over the past decade. A former undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado, Ekeler developed into the NFL’s premier pass-catching back over his first seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
That trend continued with the Commanders when Ekeler signed a two-year deal in March 2024. Ekeler appeared in 12 games for Washington last season, rushing for 367 yards (4.8 YPC), catching 35 passes for 366 yards and averaging over 31 yards per kickoff return. He did that in 12 games, having missed time due to a concussion.
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He began the 2025 season as the Commanders’ starting running back until his injury.
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the only running back under contract for Washington next season, so the position could look much different. Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a restricted free agent, while Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols will be unrestricted free agents.
Ekeler was one of several veterans, alongside Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, who became respected locker-room leaders in 2024, alongside their production on the field. All three will be free agents in March.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler says goodbye to fans