Is Austin Ekeler or Brian Robinson Jr. the RB1 for the Commanders?

After signing Austin Ekeler, is Brian Robinson Jr. still the Commanders' RB1? Who is the starting running back for the Washington Commanders in 2024?

After a 2023 season that saw Brian Robinson Jr. dominate backfield touches over Antonio Gibson, the Washington Commanders brought in former fantasy football star Austin Ekeler on a two-year deal.

With Gibson walking to New England, Robinson and Ekeler are the clear-cut top running backs on this roster heading into 2024. We still have a long way to go until the season comes around, but this will likely profile as one of the big running back room debates of the draft season.

Will Brian Robinson Jr. maintain his RB1 status on the depth chart, or will Austin Ekeler swoop in and take over?

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Who is the Washington Commanders' RB1?

Unfortunately, the answer is not as crystal clear as fantasy managers would like it to be and it likely won’t be clear unless an injury occurs. 

NFL backfields are largely trending towards committee splits with one early-down running back and one passing-down running back. Washington tried this approach with Robinson and Antonio Gibson in 2023. Despite having a new staff, they will likely try a similar split.

coming to a backfield near you pic.twitter.com/SsvMV6JcEL

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 19, 2024

Brian Robinson ran for 733 yards and five touchdowns while also grabbing 36 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns, churning out a productive RB2 season. In Los Angeles, Austin Ekeler battled injuries all season while rushing for 628 yards and five touchdowns, and catching 51 passes for 436 yards and a touchdown.

With Kliff Kingsbury in town as offensive coordinator, the Commanders’ offensive pace should significantly pick up. Kingsbury’s air raid offense should open up opportunities for both running backs to be fantasy-relevant and while their upside will be limited by each other, they could both be capable of producing RB2 numbers with league-winning upside should the other back get hurt.

Robinson will likely take on the early down role that he held last season, while Ekeler filters in on passing downs with a chance to recapture his early career efficiency.

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