Washington Commanders

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.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, one of this year's top draft prospects, plans to throw at his pro day on March 27 instead of at this week's NFL scouting combine, according to sources. Daniels will be in Indianapolis this week for interviews and meetings with teams, but he will not work out at all. USC's Caleb Williams, the consensus top overall pick for the upcoming draft, also will not throw at the combine this week. The 23-year-old won the Heisman Trophy last year, which has vaulted him to No. 3 behind Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye in the QB rankings for the upcoming draft. Daniels has plenty of upside at the next level, but his fantasy value for the long term will all depend on where he lands in the draft.

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.

Detroit Lions tight end Zach Ertz has reportedly looked impressive in practice and is picking up everything extremely fast. Despite that, the Lions have decided to not elevate Ertz ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. Possibly, Ertz suits up if the Lions can make it to the Super Bowl. His presence alone is impactful to this roster as a former Super Bowl champion. That being said, Sam LaPorta figures to see a majority of the snaps at tight end this weekend.

The Detroit Lions signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz to their practice squad earlier this week, and quarterback Jared Goff doesn't see why Ertz can't play in Sunday's NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. "He's picked it up extremely fast," Goff said. "He really has. Really impressive, not that you didn't expect that from a guy like him who's been around for so long. I've known him here and there throughout the years, and just hearing about how smart he is and how well he can pick up things, he's done it really well this week. It's been good." The 33-year-old has a Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Goff thinks Ertz's presence at practices has already helped the Lions as they try to make their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. With impressive rookie Sam LaPorta being Goff's go-to tight end target, Ertz probably won't see many snaps if he's active on Sunday.