The Washington Commanders have added to the backfield by reuniting with a familiar name, while losing a linebacker to a season-ending surgery
The Washington Commanders are shifting attention toward the week four international game against the Indianapolis Colts, yet after coming off a statement win in the home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, the team got a mix of news on Monday morning.
The good news is that there may now be a new addition to the Commanders' 53 man roster after news broke early on Monday morning that veteran running back Austin Ekeler is signing with the Commanders pending a physical.
Ekeler, 33, will now head to Washington for his second stint with the team and third consecutive season. Ekeler is also days removed from a workout with the Carolina Panthers, yet his reunion in Washington adds to the running back room.
The expected return of Ekeler also comes after Rachaad White, who notched his first touchdown as a Commander, suffered a shoulder injury in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in week three before returning to the game. Whether Ekeler takes White's spot on the 53 man roster remains to be seen, yet he returns to the organization stockpiling depth at the position alongside Bill Croskey-Merritt and Kaytron Allen.
Ekeler saw his 2025 season cut short after suffering a torn Achilles in the week two loss against the Green Bay Packers, amassing just 52 yards of scrimmage on 19 total touches. Ekeler also ran for 367 yards and four touchdowns on 77 carries in addition to 35 catches for 366 yards during his first season with the team in 2024.
The bad news is the linebacker room has taken another hit after Leo Chenal is expected to undergo season ending surgery.
Chenal arrived in Washington this offseason after signing during free agency, one of two Chiefs defenders to ink with the team ahead of 2026, where he was expected to serve as a key piece in the starting lineup alongside rookie Sonny Styles. Chenal exited the week three win in a scary scene after appearing to take a hit to the head on a tackle attempt, leading him to be carted off the field before being ruled out with a neck injury. Head coach Dan Quinn noted postgame that Chenal had feeling in his extremities and was with his family before heading to the hospital for precaution, adding a positive update for the 25 year old linebacker.
The Commanders are expected to depart for London on Tuesday and face the Indianapolis Colts in London next Sunday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for 9:30 AM ET.
