Austin Ekeler rushed six times for 26 yards in the Commanders’ Week 1 win over the Giants, adding three receptions for 31 additional yards.

Ekeler saw nine total opportunities in the game, with seven of those looks coming in the first half. The veteran running back drew the start for the Commanders on Sunday and was rather efficient with his touches (6.3 YPT), but he played backup to rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the second half, with one carry to Croskey-Merritt’s six. Ekeler should continue to have a role in the passing game, as his age and injury history have long foreshadowed a third-down role for him in 2025. Croskey-Merritt’s performance on Sunday isn’t going to do anything to change that opinion. Ekeler will have some PPR upside in Week 2 against the Packers, but it would be surprising if he drew the start on Thursday night.