Austin Ekeler likely sealed his Commanders future after brutal fumble

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) tackles Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) to stop a two-point conversion during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) tackles Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) to stop a two-point conversion during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders' poor showing against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game can ultimately be summed up by a few plays that helped turn the tide. Unfortunately, veteran running back Austin Ekeler had one of the biggest goofs in this disappointing performance.

With Jayden Daniels trying to mount a comeback down 34-23, Ekeler turned what should have been a simple run-after-catch following a checkdown into a nightmare. Ekeler fumbled the ball, which led to the Eagles recovering and plowing their way into the end zone to go up 41-23 in the fourth quarter.

While Ekeler has done a lot of good during his time with the Commanders, a huge mistake like that in such a clutch situation could be all the motivation Washington needs to bring his tenure in the nation's capital to a quick and unceremonious end.

Austin Ekeler may have sealed his fate with Commanders after brutal fumble

The banged-up Ekeler was much more valuable as a pass-catcher this season, as Brian Robinson took hold of the RB1 job. Ekeler ran just 77 times for 367 yards, but he did catch an additional 36 passes for 366 yards and found the end zone four times. This is a far cry from his days with the Chargers.

Ekeler led the NFL in touchdowns in both 2021 (20) and 2022 (18). The fact that he's been relegated to this role (and is now fumbling away what few touches he does get) doesn't exactly help him make a great impression on a team who is not tied to him financially.

The Commanders could take advantage of a 2025 NFL Draft class that is extremely deep at the running back spots. While Ekeler is a respected veteran who is under contract for next season, Washington could cut him and only incur a minor dead cap penalty due to his low salary.

Ekeler is on the back nine of his professional career. While he had some success in Washington, plays like that will inevitably force both Dan Quinn and Adam Peters to have some very difficult conversations about his future in Commanders maroon when the offseason starts.

Schedule