Austin Ekeler Week 5 Outlook - Browns at Commanders
By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Sat, Oct 5th 2024, 1:05am EDT
Ekeler has cleared the concussion protocol. He could be the Commandersâ starting running back in Week 5 if Robinson Jr. canât go. If Robinson Jr. is out, Ekeler could be a bell-cow, only coming off the field for a breather here and there with Jeremy McNichols filling in. Ekeler has been serviceable on early downs with a 15% missed tackle rate and 2.23 yards after contact per attempt. While his rushing prowess has been passable, his receiving ability remains top-shelf. Among 40 qualifying backs, he ranks second in YPRR, third in receiving yards per game, and tenth in TPRR. If Robinson Jr. is out, Ekeler is a volume-based RB2. If Robinson Jr. plays, Ekeler is an RB3. Cleveland has allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate, the second-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the 14th-most rushing yards per game. They have shut down receiving backs, giving up the 13th-lowest yards per reception and the fifth-fewest receptions.
