The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala reports RB Austin Ekeler remains a “key piece” of the Commanders offense.

As Brian Robinson trade rumors circulate ahead of the regular season, and as rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt gains steam as a potential lead back in the run-first Washington offense, Ekeler, 30, should remain the team’s primary pass-catching backfield option who could cut into Croskey-Merritt’s workload early in the season, along with Chris Rodriguez. Robinson was held out of Monday night’s preseason game against the Bengals. JCM and Rodriguez shined against Cincinnati; the rookie rumbled for 46 yards and a score on 11 attempts. Ekeler in 2024 led the Commanders backfield with 35 receptions for 366 yards. He could have some value in deeper PPR formats this season if Robinson is traded away.