Overlooked Commanders veteran could be the key amid RB drama

The Washington Commanders' offensive backfield was a hot topic of discussion at the start of the offseason, having been deemed an area where the team could improve.

After the way Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry restored a significant amount of value to the running back position in 2024, many believed Washington needed to take a similar measure to find an elite rushing threat. Instead, the Commanders largely ran back the same group from last season, albeit with the addition of seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Croskey-Merritt has emerged as one of Washington's offseason darlings. He's already penciled in by many as a major steal who could become the team's No. 1 backfield threat sooner rather than later. Brian Robinson Jr., who has held that role for the past couple of years, is a free agent after 2025. This will be a make-or-break season for the Alabama product as a result.

Meanwhile, let's not forget about the Commanders' running back unit's other key cog.

Austin Ekeler faces an uncertain Commanders role in 2025

Austin Ekeler, the longtime Los Angeles Chargers standout, was brought in as part of Washington's massive veteran spending spree during 2024 free agency. This also included established figures such as Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Frankie Luvu.

He was productive when called upon, rushing for 367 yards and four touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler also added 366 more yards receiving on 35 catches. He frequently contributed to the kick return game and was named second-team All-Pro for his efforts on special teams.

However, injuries limited him to only 12 contests, specifically two different concussions. That's a major concern, as is the fact that he is on the wrong side of 30 years old — ancient by typical running back standards.

Considering Washington's depth on its ground attack also includes fellow veteran Jeremy McNichols and the ever-intriguing Chris Rodriguez Jr., this would figure to make Ekeler a candidate for a surprise preseason cut. That seems unlikely, given how valuable his role is.

Ekeler is by far Washington's biggest receiving threat out of the backfield. He fits well in Kliff Kingsbury's up-tempo, short, pass-heavy scheme. How he chooses to respond to the head injuries is his decision, and he's shown no intention of stepping away from the game anytime soon.

Barring some unforeseen circumstances, Ekeler should be assumed to reprise his role from last year in 2025. And with all of the attention elsewhere at his position, he could end up sneakily being one of Washington's bigger overachievers.