The Washington Commanders will probably lose running back Austin Ekeler due to an Achilles injury, so they could be in the market for this free agent. According to reports, the Commanders are fearing the worst after already taking the loss against the Green Bay Packers, 27-18, and that they will have to move forward with the season without the veteran running back. The team already traded away its presumptive top running back option, Brian Robinson Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers before the start of the 2025 campaign in favor of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With that, the depth of this running back unit continues to deplete as Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez (once he becomes healthy) will need to step up.
This isn’t the end for the running back room, as the Commanders could either make a trade or sign an available free agent to a cost-controlled contract for a year. With Gus Edwards still available to sign with a team, he could be a possible fit for this offense to supplement not only the run game, but also be a flashy receiver in situational moments. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie, the former Miami and Rutgers product has a similar size and athleticism to Ekeler, but he hasn’t been living up to his potential in recent memory. He’s like Ekeler 2.0 in a sense, but if he can at least stay healthy, he could be a reliable veteran insurance behind Croskey-Merritt.
Breaking: Commanders Could Target Gus Edwards After Austin Ekeler Injury
Other Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens aren’t in the market for a running back, but it’d be nice to reunite with one former playmaker to salvage the depth. Keaton Mitchell had a few flashes and could transform into a potential full-time starter once Derrick Henry retires. However, he still has a ton of experiences to get through while Henry continues to play at his best despite that one costly fumble. The Ravens have no worries as of now for that running back room, but it’s never a bad idea to bring back some familiarity near the postseason.
Edwards won’t be the same for his second stint with the Ravens, but it should give Justice Hill more separation to run his routes, or Lamar Jackson could utilize them both at the same time.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are still experimenting this 2025 campaign. Javonte Williams showed that he could turn into a versatile and capable starter for this run game. It’s too early to tell who could emerge as the permanent since 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue has yet to play. Miles Sanders had his moments out there, including a long run against his former team, the Eagles, but the fumble probably set him back for now.
The Cowboys must address the running back room either way, and Edwards could be a solid option in a situational role on third down to continue moving the chains.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints are in dire need of depth. After failing to get much from Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers, they just gave up on them. The team has no worries anytime soon, as long as Alvin Kamara remains productive (which is, of course, likely). However, Edwards gives this offensive run game some veteran insurance policy to supplement the quarterback, Spencer Rattler.
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