ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that Carolina was "in the thick of it" for Ekeler before he ultimately chose to return to the Washington Commanders.
Ekeler is now expected to sign with Washington, pending a physical.
Carolina Needed The Help
Running back Jonathon Brooks underwent core muscle surgery last week and is expected to miss six to eight weeks, leaving AJ Dillon as the only healthy depth option behind starter Chuba Hubbard.
Quick Austin Ekeler timeline, per sources:
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 28, 2026
• Works out for Carolina last week, expected to join its practice squad in Week 4.
• Commanders enter the conversation. Ekeler is committed to Carolina — until Washington offers a direct path to the 53-man roster.
• Ekeler says… https://t.co/T8NGtFnzkB
Ekeler worked out for the Panthers in the middle of last week and reportedly impressed the staff, showing he'd fully recovered from the torn Achilles that ended his 2025 season with Washington.
He carries very solid career production, with more than 9,000 yards from scrimmage and 73 total touchdowns across nine NFL seasons, most of them with the Los Angeles Chargers before two years in Washington.
Why He Chose Washington Instead
Rachaad White suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday's win over Seattle, and with Jeremy McNichols already on injured reserve, Washington was left with just Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Kaytron Allen as healthy backs on the 53-man roster.
Ekeler is now expected to slot in as a depth option in a backfield he already knows well, giving Washington an immediate, familiar answer rather than a fresh evaluation.
Reunion: The #Commanders are expected to sign FA RB Austin Ekeler to their 53-man roster pending physical, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2026
Ekeler, who is healed from an Achilles tear and worked out for the #Panthers last week, lands back in a familiar place. pic.twitter.com/YZGlmGdFjK
Fowler's report doesn't specify what kind of offer, if any, Carolina put on the table.
