Austin Ekeler draws interest from NFC team

Running back Austin Ekeler may have a route back to the NFL after going unsigned for the entire offseason.

Ekeler will work out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC. The veteran running back has been medically cleared after suffering a torn Achilles with the Washington Commanders last year.

Ekeler went unsigned during the offseason, largely because of that injury. He has not had a healthy season since 2024, when he was a second-team All-Pro for his kick return skills. His best days came with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he had three separate seasons with at least 1,500 all-purpose yards.

The Panthers have Chuba Hubbard leading their backfield, but lost Jonathon Brooks for possibly six weeks due to a core muscle injury. Ekeler would operate as a reserve, similar to the role he had in Washington before he got hurt.

For his career, Ekeler has 4,765 rushing yards and 73 total touchdowns.