Latest news with #AustinEkeler
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Insider Suggests Commanders Could Sign Nick Chubb
Insider Suggests Commanders Could Sign Nick Chubb originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In 2023, running back Austin Ekeler was among the biggest villains of the fantasy football world. As he dealt with an ankle injury, his efficiency dipped to a meager 3.5 yards per carry as his production fell off a cliff. Advertisement A season later, Ekeler's production continued to decline. But in a new role, with redefined expectations, his reputation improved. On a resurgent Washington Commanders team, he wasn't alone in that regard. Now, Washington is attempting to get quarterback Jayden Daniels over the hump. It has brought in established veterans who are proven quantities, on and off the field. Could another veteran running back be next? ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler suggested that the Commanders could sign former All-Pro running back Nick Chubb. 'I know he [Nick Chubb] expects to play,' Fowler said for ESPN Cleveland. 'The running back market is tough. A lot of these guys are waiting, I think probably up until training camp at this point. I do not expect Chubb back with the Browns barring some sort of surprise or injury. Advertisement 'There are some teams out there that could be in the market for one. You know, the Commanders or the Bears come to mind. They could be looking for an extra back at some point. Right now he's in that mode where you just survey the landscape, see what develops, and keep working out to play next year.' Like Ekeler a year ago, Chubb is coming off a concerning season as it pertains to both his production and injury history. After recovering from a second catastrophic knee injury, Chubb ran for 3.3 yards per attempt—nearly two yards below his career average of 5.1. His toe injury ended his season and cast further doubt upon his NFL future. Advertisement As far as bounce-back candidates go, Chubb's case can't be considered strong. Age-30 seasons don't bring good news for most backs, much less those with Chubb's baggage. However, the Commanders could bring in Chubb with the intention of handing him a small-time role behind Brian Robinson Jr., especially with the allure of a deep playoff run. Perhaps more playing time or guaranteed money would appeal to Chubb more. As his market continues to shrink, though, Washington shouldn't be ignored as a landing spot. Related: Kingsbury Previews Samuel's Impact on Commanders Related: Commanders Move on J.K. Dobbins Could Be Super Bowl 'Final Piece' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Charger Seen As Final Piece For Commanders Offense
Former Charger Seen As Final Piece For Commanders Offense originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson were the two-headed monster that the Washington Commanders relied on to reach the conference championship game last season. Advertisement Both are entering the final years of their deal with the team, though. With a bolstered offensive line, the Commanders could look to add another runner to the roster in the hopes of making their top two, a three-headed unstoppable force. A player they could look at? Former Baltimore Raven and Los Angeles Charger J.K. Dobbins. NFL reporter Gilberto Manzano suggested that Dobbins would be the top choice and best fit for Washington out of the leftover free agents. "It's a bit surprising that Dobbins remains unsigned after bouncing back from significant injuries to emerge as a Comeback Player of the Year candidate with the Chargers last season," Manzano said. "Perhaps teams aren't willing to pay a certain price for a running back with an extensive injury history. Advertisement "The Commanders could use a productive back such as Dobbins, who recorded 905 yards in 13 games last season. Dobbins wouldn't have to carry a heavy workload with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler also on the Commanders' roster." He has an injury history, but we are a bit puzzled as to why he sits on the shelf. Dobbins' 2024 season showed he could still play football at a high level with the right offensive line blocking for him. Washington has made tremendous strides to bolster their front five over the last two seasons. Because of this, a power runner like Dobbins would be an excellent fit for the Commanders offense. Advertisement Even maybe as a final piece to a Super Bowl roster. Related: Commanders Trade Paying Off As A Steal as Deebo Stars at OTAs Related: Commanders Rookie Putting On Show for Kingsbury at OTAs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Run Game Could Be NFL Best
The Washington Commanders' 2024 season was superb by any metric fans want to use, with a run and pass game that was one of the best in football. Jayden Daniels and the rushing attack were crucial to that, with his 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with Brian Robinson Jr. (799 yards, eight touchdowns), and Austin Ekeler (367 yards, four touchdowns). Advertisement The Commanders averaged a whopping 149.1 rush yards per game (fourth-best in football), with Daniels leading the way as the unit put up points for fun. Now, as we turn our attention to the 2025 season, the running back room of the Commanders is seen as one of the best in football according to CBS Sports. In ranking all running back rooms, the Commanders are in the second tier (of seven) called QB/RB duos. "The final team in this tier is the Washington Commanders, who took the NFL by storm last season thanks to Jayden Daniels," CBS Sports writes. "The 2024 second overall pick was central to the team's rushing attack last season. Daniels' 891 yards on the ground broke the rookie record for a quarterback. That led the Commanders team, but not far behind him was Brian Robinson Jr., who finished with 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns after being limited to 14 games. As a team, Washington finished third in the league in rushing yards." Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball to Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium.© Amber Searls-Imagn Images One could easily make the case that without Daniels' running threat, the Commanders' run game wouldn't be as potent, but that is what makes Kliff Kingsbury's unit so special. Advertisement They have weapons everywhere, and we are now adding Deebo Samuel, whose talent as a runner is well-documented, and one of the league's best run games last season, appears to be at least as good as last year, if not better. With the Commanders in win-now mode, the franchise will be tough to stop when everything clicks, and we imagine the run game will have a big role in how far Washington goes in 2025. And yes, Daniels will be central to all of it, just as a great quarterback is. Related: Commanders New Tackle Praised in Rookie Comparison Related: Commanders General Manager Grades Offseason Moves
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL Draft: An intriguing fantasy football comparison could come true for Bhayshul Tuten
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.) From the latest podcast episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, hosts Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald dove deep on the much-hyped running back draft class. Among the names that stood out was Virginia Tech's Bhayshul Tuten, whose tantalizing speed and athleticism caught many eyes at the NFL Scouting Combine. His blistering 4.32 40-yard dash marked him as the fastest among his running back peers. Advertisement While examining Tuten's potential and attributes, a notable comparison surfaced: Austin Ekeler of the Washington Commanders. What makes Tuten draw parallels to Ekeler? It's a mix of his explosiveness in space, versatility in the passing game and those elusive moves that help him shake defenders. However, Tuten does bring some baggage with him — ball security issues and concerns about his durability due to former injuries. Nevertheless, his dynamic speed might carve out a similar satellite-back role in the NFL, much like Ekeler's early career trajectory. Harmon and McDonald also recognize Tuten's areas for growth, such as navigating crowded spaces and enhancing his field vision. Yet, with the NFL's growing emphasis on pass-catching backs who can make explosive plays, Tuten could blossom in a scheme that saber-rattles creativity in their running design. Franchises eager to harness a potential game-changer may see Tuten as invaluable, primarily if positioned within a system that maximizes his open-field prowess. Advertisement In fantasy football terms, if Tuten can manage to shake off the fumble concerns and solidify his role in an offense that highlights his speedy playmaking skills, he might just be the waiver-wire darling that echoes shades of Austin Ekeler, a back thriving in the right system with touches tailored to his strengths. Keep an eye on where he lands — his fantasy stock could rise based on fit and opportunity.
NBC Sports
07-02-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Ekeler, Robinson reveal recipe of WAS success
Commanders RBs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson join FFHH to discuss the culture around Washington's success and how the team continues to raise the bar after reaching the NFC Championship Game.
