In Ekeler and fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders have a versatile duo that has powered their offense.
For much of the past year, Austin Ekeler heard how he was “washed.” He was done, some analysts and fans said. He wasn’t the same running back who could bounce off tackles and zigzag around defenders.
But Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn knew from a single step in Week 1 that Ekeler, at 29 and in his eighth NFL season, has plenty left.
In the first quarter of Washington’s season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ekeler slipped through the middle of the line for a check-down pass from Jayden Daniels.