The Washington Commanders are getting healthy at the right rime, getting an offensive reinforcement a week ahead of their first playoff appearance since a 7-9 campaign was enough to win the division in 2020. When they head on the road for the first round of the playoffs, Washington will be doing so with backup running back Austin Ekeler back on the active roster. The team has activated him off injured reserve.
While technically a backup to starter Brian Robinson, Ekeler still holds tremendous value to the offense. Despite Robinson starting 12 games this season, the Commanders have made sure to get Ekeler on the field, as well granting him six starts in his 11 appearances this year. The team’s leading rusher has been rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (864), but Robinson (789), Ekeler (355), Jeremy McNichols (261) and Chris Rodriguez (173) have all contributed to a rushing attack that ranks third in the NFL behind only the Eagles and Ravens.
Ekeler’s influence also comes as the primary pass-catching back in Washington. As has been the case in Ekeler’s career, his contributions have come through the air as much as on the ground. In his career, Ekeler has 4,230 receiving yards to 4,710 rushing yards, and this year, his 346 receiving yards are just as much a factor as his rushing contribution.
With Ekeler returning to the fold, the Commanders nearly have their full offensive battery back on the field. They’re missing wide receiver Noah Brown (on IR) and starting center Tyler Biadasz is listed as doubtful for this week, but the rest of the offense is primed for playoff action.
In order to make room for Ekeler on the active roster, undrafted rookie safety Tyler Owens has been placed on IR. The Texas Tech alum has played primarily on special teams in his rookie campaign, tallying 11 tackles and a forced fumble.
Joining Ekeler on the active roster will be offensive tackle Bobby Hart and cornerback Bobby Price, who have been promoted as standard game-day practice squad elevations this weekend.
