Austin Ekeler has been one of the best running backs in the NFL in recent memory and is now embarking on the next chapter of his career with the Washington Commanders after spending the past seven years with the Los Angeles Chargers. That said, it wasn't a smooth path to the NFL for Ekeler. Ekeler was a no-star high school recruit and went on to play college ball for Division-II Western Colorado.
' Ekeler is one of several veteran additions to the Commanders this offseason under Dan Quinn, along with linebacker Bobby Wagner, safety Jeremy Chinn, center Tyler Biadasz and defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. On the other side, the franchise will trot out a new Week 1 quarterback for the seventh consecutive season in 2024. Kirk Cousins was the last signal-caller in franchise history to start back-to-back Week 1s .