Austin Ekeler Heavily Involved As Receiver On Thursday Night
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler rushed for just seven yards on two carries during Thursday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was much more heavily involved in the passing game, catching eight of his nine targets for an additional 89 yards through the air. The veteran running back was the Commanders' leading receiver as quarterback Jayden Daniels threw a heavy amount of short-range passes on Thursday night. The 29-year-old has posted at least 17 fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last three games and should be treated as a strong RB3 option going into Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Austin Ekeler Could Be Viable Flex Option In Week 11
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is expected to revert to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart on Thursday evening but is still a viable flex option in PPR formats while facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the past two weeks, Ekeler has operated as the lead option out of the backfield in Washington. During this small stint, he scored three times, averaging 17.7 PPR points per game. However, with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) slated to return, fantasy managers should expect Ekeler to return to his third-down role. During Weeks 1 through 8, Ekeler eclipsed double-digit PPR points in five straight games and caught at least two passes in each contest. With a high implied point total (48.5), fantasy managers could expect this game to open up, which could set the 29-year-old up for several pass-catching opportunities, making him a flex option in PPR formats.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler took the lead role in the backfield once again with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) sidelined and performed well as he tallied 44 yards and two scores in the Week 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He added seven yards off one reception. This was his second straight game reaching the end zone and topping double-digit PPR points. While he could not get much rhythm in the running game, he was a force in the red zone as he ran in two short scores at the goal line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Robinson's status during the short week, as Ekeler could again lead the backfield on Thursday evening against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Austin Ekeler Should Be In Lead Role Again In Week 10
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should operate as the lead running back for the second straight game with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out again. Last week, operating as the lead option, Ekeler scored a season-high 17.3 PPR points and found the end zone for the second time this season. He tied Chris Rodriguez Jr. for a team-high 11 carries. However, Ekeler was also heavily involved in the passing game, bringing in three of his four targets for 41 yards. Given his role as a potential three-down back, fantasy managers should view the 29-year-old as a solid RB2 yet again against a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied 42 yards and a score on 11 carries in their victory over the Giants. He also brought in three of his four targets for an additional 41 yards. This was a nice bounce-back outing for Ekeler, as he has tallied a combined 69 yards over his past two games. With Brian Robinson Jr (hamstring) sidelined, Ekeler saw a solid workload and contributed to all aspects of the game. Fantasy managers in PPR formats should continue to view the 29-year-old as a solid flex option, given his excellent pass-catching ability and consistent third-down role.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could see increased usage as No.1 option Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Last weekend, Ekeler continued to serve as the clear No.2 option in the backfield, carrying the ball seven times for 52 yards and bringing in two passes for six yards. This was his highest yardage total since Week 6 against Baltimore. Throughout his first eight games as a Commander, Ekeler eclipsed double-digit PPR points in all but two games due to his pass-catching ability. If Robinson plays, Ekeler should be viewed as a flex option in PPR formats but would move up to a solid RB2 in all leagues if he is the lead option facing the Giants, who have allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing RBs.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was productive in his limited workload in their victory over the Chicago Bears. Ekeler tallied an impressive 52 yards on seven attempts (7.4 yards per carry). He caught two of his three targets for six yards. After totaling double-digit PPR points in each of his first five games, Ekeler has now fallen under that mark in back-to-back outings. The Washington offense struggled to convert in the red zone, limiting the 29-year-old's opportunities for valuable touches. Nonetheless, fantasy managers should continue to view Ekeler as a low-end flex option, as he will continue to serve as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should be poised for a bounce back performance in Week 8 after having his worst game of the campaign last weekend. Facing the Carolina Panthers, the Commanders had a sizeable lead all afternoon and did not need to deploy their primary pass-catching back too often. Ekeler totaled a season-low 4.0 PPR points in this game with just 20 all-purpose yards. However, facing the Chicago Bears, the Commanders may need to keep their foot on the gas throughout the game facing a potent Chicago offense. As a result, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats and a low-end RB3 in standard leagues.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler had a quiet showing in their Week 7 dismantling of the Carolina Panthers. Ekeler ran the ball just four times for a mere 17 yards. In the passing game, he brought in both of his targets just three yards. This was his lowest output of the season, both on the ground and through the air. However, the game script for the pass-catching back was not too positive, as the Commanders were up by multiple scores all evening. Fantasy managers in PPR leagues should continue to view Ekeler as a low-end flex option heading into their Week 8 tilt against the Chicago Bears.
Austin Ekeler Could Lead Backfield Again On Sunday
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could lead the backfield again, with Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) listed as questionable. Ekeler sat atop the depth chart last weekend but had trouble against the Ravens, as he ran for just 21 yards on nine carries. However, he should face a much easier task against the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing running backs. Ekeler should be viewed as a high-end RB2 if Robinson sits out for the second straight week. If Robinson does suit up, Ekeler should be projected for his typical flex role in PPR leagues.
Austin Ekeler
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Commanders
