Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday. Ekeler suffered a concussion in the Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and wasn't cleared to play in the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Ekeler's status is trending up heading into their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns, although Ekeler still has steps to clear in the league's concussion protocol and must be cleared by an independent neurologist later this week. The 29-year-old's improving status and the fact that Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was a DNP on Wednesday makes Washington's backfield one to watch heading into the weekend. Even if B-Rob is able to play, Ekeler will have RB3/flex appeal in PPR leagues if he's cleared to return. Ekeler has a rushing touchdown and nine receptions for 121 yards through his first three games in D.C.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. The Alabama product did not show any sign of an injury during their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Robinson's status throughout the week ahead of their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, as he has found the end zone in all but one game and averaged 15.9 PPR points. No. 2 running back Austin Ekeler (concussion), who did not suit up last week, was a limited participant on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend. If both running backs were to miss this weekend's game, Jeremy McNichols could be in line to lead the backfield. McNichols is coming off a career game where he totaled 68 yards on the ground with two scores.

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he is tracking toward being able to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. It sounds like Ekeler expects to be back on the field this weekend and said he's feeling more like himself as he goes through all of the steps in the league's concussion protocol. With Ekeler out in the Week 4 blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals, Jeremy McNichols had a fruitful day as the backup to Brian Robinson Jr. while playing 38% of the offensive snaps. McNichols had eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns and added a six-yard reception. With Ekeler on his way back sooner than later, fantasy managers may not want to spend too much to pick up McNichols off the waiver wire. Ekeler should dominate passing-game work out of the Commanders' backfield when he returns.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. offered a decent performance in Week 4 during a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. The sixth-year pro finished the game with three receptions on five targets for 58 yards and no touchdowns, plus two carries for 14 yards on the ground. Samuel Sr.'s day was salvaged by a 53-yard third-quarter bomb that accounted for almost all of his receiving yardage on the day. It's worth noting that wideout Jauan Jennings out-targeted Samuel Sr. in this one, as well as Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle following Jennings' coming-out party in Week 3. While it's unlikely that Jennings continues to lead the 49ers in receiving for long, Samuel Sr. managers can't be thrilled with today's muddling of San Francisco's receiving hierarchy with everyone healthy. Samuel and the 49ers get the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5.

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz had a quiet day on Sunday afternoon even though the Commanders scored 42 points. The veteran tight end finished the day with just three catches (on three targets) for 22 yards. He also caught a two-point conversion late in the game. Ertz finished fourth on the team in receiving yards behind Terry McLaurin, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Noah Brown. This was also his lowest yard total of the season. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with Ertz as the Washington offense continued to move down the field all afternoon. The 33-year-old remains a low-end TE1 going forward, as he should still see stable production given that he will be on the field for most of the snaps despite this underwhelming Week 4 output.