Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) is practicing on Thursday after logging a limited practice session on Wednesday. The former Chargers' star missed the Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a concussion, but he appears to be on track to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) missed practice on Wednesday and was not seen on the field to begin Thursday's practice as he deals with a knee injury, so Ekeler could be in line to carry a meaningful workload in Week 5. Backup running back Jeremy McNichols could also be utilized as a low-end flex option if Robinson misses this week. McNichols rushed eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in his first game as the team's RB2 last week.

After not practicing to begin the week on Wednesday, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was not seen on the practice field on Thursday. Robinson's Week 5 status against the Cleveland Browns is firmly up in the air, but the good news for the Commanders is that running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) appears to be tracking towards a return after missing the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals. If B-Rob is unable to play this weekend, it would be Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, who scored twice last Sunday, sharing backfield touches for the Commanders. Fantasy managers in dire straights at the RB position in Week 5 may want to take a look at McNichols on the waiver wire with both Robinson and Ekeler on the injury report. Robinson is currently the RB11 in half-PPR scoring in fantasy through the first four weeks of the season in a Commanders offense that has been rejuvenated by impressive rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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.