Running back Austin Ekeler is listed among the Commanders on IR, contributing to a depleted backfield and impacting the week-to-week dynamic of Washington’s run game. His absence heightens reliance on backups and affects overall offensive depth.

Ekeler suffers a season-ending Achilles tear, forcing Washington into a backfield committee with McNichols, Rodriguez Jr., and Edwards signing veteran depth; expect a volatile but opportunity-filled period for backups.

Ekeler is out for the year with a torn Achilles and will be a free-agent after the season; fantasy relevance is basically zero this year, with IR-safe holding recommended if possible.

Ekeler’s season-ending Achilles tear shifts Commanders’ backfield into a heavy committee, prioritizing Croskey-Merritt, Rodriguez Jr., and McNichols with shared volume.

Ekeler’s Achilles injury ends his season, pressuring the Commanders to adjust and elevating rookies like Croskey-Merritt. The backfield becomes a key committee question with potential volatility in Ekeler’s absence.