As Brian Robinson trade rumors circulate ahead of the regular season, and as rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt gains steam as a potential lead back in the run-first Washington offense, Ekeler, 30, should remain the team’s primary pass-catching backfield option who could cut into Croskey-Merritt’s workload early in the season, along with Chris Rodriguez. Robinson was held out of Monday night’s preseason game against the Bengals. JCM and Rodriguez shined against Cincinnati; the rookie rumbled for 46 yards and a score on 11 attempts. Ekeler in 2024 led the Commanders backfield with 35 receptions for 366 yards. He could have some value in deeper PPR formats this season if Robinson is traded away.

Not a good ending to Ekeler’s age-29 campaign, as he lost a back-breaking second half fumble. It was inexcusable ball security as Ekeler tried to get up after falling down. Forced to settle for just $1.2 million guaranteed in free agency, Ekeler did bounce back from his horrendous final season for the Chargers, getting his yards per carry back near 5.0 and his yards per catch over 10.0. He was limited to 12 games by a scary Week 12 concussion, but performed pretty exactly as expected. Although Ekeler’s three-down days are long gone, the Commanders could decide he’s a third-down worth retaining at his currently scheduled $3 million salary. That being said, Washington is in the driver’s seat there with Ekeler due no guaranteed money for 2025.

Ekeler watched Brian Robinson and Jeremy McNichols combine for three rushing touchdowns, all of which came at the goal line. The lack of touchdown upside or a touch ceiling makes Ekeler an underwhelming fantasy asset, but his efficiency can flip drives for Washington. Including the postseason, the former Charger is now averaging 6.6 yards per touch as a Commander. He will be a high-risk DFS play for the Conference Championship slate.

Ekeler was the best of Washington’s running backs tonight, but that’s not really saying that much. The veteran picked up some key first downs and also made some solid blocks that helped Washington sustain drives, but he’s no longer an explosive playmaker. Given how ineffective Brian Robinson Jr. was tonight, we could see Ekeler’s role grow next week against the Lions.