NFL analyst highlights overlooked Commanders veteran who could tilt the season

The Washington Commanders' running back dynamic took a dramatic shift after trading Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers. Last year's starter fell out of favor quickly, and Adam Peters decided to get something in return.

All the focus immediately went onto Washington's young running backs. The buzz around seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt was incredible throughout the summer. Momentum is also building around Chris Rodriguez Jr., who could replace Robinson as the short-yardage and red-zone threat.

Austin Ekeler has become a proverbial afterthought in comparison. However, one NFL analyst believes he stands to benefit most from Robinson's departure.

Commanders could rely more on Austin Ekeler after Brian Robinson Jr. trade

Gray Devo from Sports Illustrated thought Ekeler could be in line for the lion's share of carries in Week 1 against the vaunted New York Giants defensive front. How the undrafted free agent performs will go a long way to determining whether he can keep the young guns at arm's length or not.

[Austin] Ekeler showed last year that he still has something to give. In 2024 in 12 games, he had 367 yards rushing on 77 carries. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, the highest average he had since 2018. He was used in the passing game as well, racking up 366 yards on 35 catches. With a bunch of unproven backs behind Ekeler on the depth chart—Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr—he should be in store for the majority of snaps at the RB position at least in week one.Gray Devo

Ekeler isn't getting any younger, and the concussion problems last season were deeply concerning. At the same time, he's got the explosiveness and big-play ability that the Commanders desperately need as part of Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts.

Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez could also feature, but expecting miracles is unrealistic. They are unproven until further notice, so relying on a veteran presence like Ekeler to pick up the slack over the opening few weeks of the campaign wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

The Commanders have no margin for error with increased expectations on their shoulders. They need their proven performers to step up. Ekeler might not be among the league's most prolific dual-threat running backs these days, but he flashed enough last season to suggest that Washington can count on him when it matters this season.

In an ideal world, the Commanders can implement Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez onto the rotation immediately. If they perform well enough, Washington could move forward with them as their starting tandem next year.

Until then, Ekeler can provide the relief needed to make a difference. And there is a huge opportunity awaiting him after Robinson was made surplus to requirements.

More Commanders news and analysis