The Washington Commanders made significant changes to their running back room this offseason. These moves confirmed that veteran dual-threat Austin Ekeler wouldn't be returning, but he isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.
And now he's been medically cleared, one NFL insider believes there will be strong interest in Ekeler's services.
The Commanders missed Ekeler last season. They made him their lead-back after trading Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers. He was excited about the prospect of being a No. 1 again, but this momentum came to an early end when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers.
Austin Ekeler ready for post-Commanders chapter after grueling injury struggle
This was a devastating blow. It was also Ekeler's final down in Washington.
The Western Colorado product has been working tirelessly during his rehabilitation, and it's paid off. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston revealed that Ekeler now has the green light to resume football activities. The insider added that there could be a decent market as teams around the league look to fortify their backfield options this summer.
"Veteran free agent running back Austin Ekeler is fully 100% medically cleared for all football activities from the torn Achilles suffered last September vs. the Packers, per an NFL source, and intends to play this season. Expected to draw solid interest. One of the premier pass-catching backs in the NFL with the Chargers."
Some thought such a devastating injury relatively late into Ekeler's career could have been the end. A running back's shelf-life is not long once you go past 30, so it was a precarious situation. The Commanders may have gone in different directions, but the player was determined to get another shot somewhere else.
There is no telling how much Ekeler has left. He performed well during his time in Washington, but his days as a bell-cow option capable of being a three-down force are long gone.
Ekeler's determination, willingness to fight in the face of adversity, and putting in the hard yards are a fine example of anything being possible in the right mindset. There is a long way to go, and he will need to impress wherever he lands next, but after everything he's been through in recent months to reach this point, everything is a bonus from here on out.
The Commanders are moving forward with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Jeremy Nichols, and sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen. It's crowded, and it'll probably be by committee. Ekeler is one of the many veterans from Washington's NFC Championship game squad who won't be around, but those who counted him out could look pretty foolish.
Everyone in Washington will wish him well, and it'll be fascinating to watch the next step of his career.
Add us as a preferred source on Google