Austin Ekeler's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Washington Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders have made preliminary inquiries on free-agent running back Austin Ekeler, according to a source. CBS Sports' Josina Anderson writes that Ekeler's situation remains fluid at this time, but he could choose his next landing spot relatively quickly after Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard have all agreed with new teams on Monday. The Commanders lost Antonio Gibson and the Raiders lost Jacobs, so they have obvious needs in their backfield right now. The 28-year-old Ekeler is coming off one of the worst years of his career in 2023, with 628 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground after scoring a career-high 13 TDs in 2022. A change of scenery could easily lead to a bounce-back campaign, but fantasy managers probably aren't going to treat him as the high-end RB1 like they did in 2023 drafts.

The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to let impending free-agent running back Austin Ekeler explore free agency in 2024, according to league sources, which means they won't use the franchise tag on him. Ekeler was one of the biggest early round fantasy busts in 2023, as the 28-year-old finished with 628 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 179 carries in 14 games in his seventh year with the Chargers. He also had 51 receptions (74 targets) for 436 yards and one touchdown through the air. Ekeler has never had 1,000 yards rushing in his career and could face an uncertain future if he leaves LA. He's not going to be a first-round fantasy pick in fall drafts, but Ekeler has bounce-back potential if he's healthy and in a significant role, whether it be with the Chargers or another team.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team would like to retain running back Austin Ekeler, who will officially become a free agent in March. "If things go well, it's going to be because of guys like Austin Ekeler and the players," Harbaugh said. "I like Austin Ekeler. We're going to have a huge emphasis on the run game, and we gotta block better up front. He's a tremendous back and we'd love to have him on the team next year." The 28-year-old back was one of fantasy's biggest busts in 2023, rushing for just 628 yards and five touchdowns on 179 carries while catching 51 passes for 436 yards and one receiving TD in 14 games in 2023. Ekeler could have a shot to bounce back in 2024 in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's run-friendly scheme in LA if he returns, but either way, fantasy managers won't be taking the leap on Ekeler in the first round this fall.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was terrible again in a Week 18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Ekeler likely ends his Chargers career with an awful performance against mostly Chiefs backups. He ran the ball 10 times, gaining 11 yards total on the ground. He was targeted eight times in the passing game, making seven catches for 38 yards through the air. This wraps up Ekeler's worst season by far and likely his last as a Charger. His days as a three-down back are clearly done, but his track record is good enough that someone will certainly take a chance on him as a third down or change of pace back for next season. He'll be much further down draft boards than he was before this season regardless of his landing spot, and any dynasty league managers rostering him should try to get whatever they can for him now.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler will look to stop his slide and end the season on a high note in a Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ekeler has had a very bad season, scoring just one touchdown in his past seven games and "earning" Pro Football Focus' worst grade among all NFL running backs since Week 6. In what is likely Ekeler's last game as a Charger and almost certainly his last game as a three-down back, he's an RB3.