Fantasy Alert: Commanders' Austin Ekeler Ready to Split Carries with Brian Robinson

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler told reporters on Monday that he's looking forward to splitting carries in the backfield with Brian Robinson.

"Yeah, it was just an opportunity to come in and be this two-back backfield, back where I was feeling the best in my career with Melvin Gordon and when I was going through my first contract," Ekeler said, per Nick Shook of NFL.com.

The dual-threat running back signed with the Commanders on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million in free agency after spending the first seven years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers.

For Ekeler, joining the Commanders also represented an opportunity to reconnect with running backs coach Anthony Lynn. Lynn previously served as the head coach of the Chargers from 2017 until 2020.

"This man is an absolute guru," Ekeler said, via Shook. "So just being back in a room with him I know will definitely keep me focused, keep me locked in and give me the best opportunity to push myself as a player. And so that was the opportunity and the environment I wanted to be in."

While he hasn't been able to surpass the 1,000-yard threshold on the ground in a single season, Ekeler's fantasy value comes from his ability to remain effective as a receiver while also finding the end zone with ease. He set a Chargers franchise record with 107 catches in 2022 and has hauled in at least 50 receptions in every season since 2018.

With running back Antonio Gibson leaving to join the New England Patriots, Ekeler could still produce as an option in the passing game. The veteran has also scored 44 total touchdowns over the past three seasons, although it's worth noting that only six of them occurred during his 2023 campaign.

With Robinson accounting for nine total touchdowns in 2023 compared to three in his rookie season, he may get more opportunities to score over Ekeler.