The Washington Commanders made several key roster moves on September 29, 2026, highlighted by the return of a familiar face in the backfield. Austin Ekeler re-signed to the active roster, giving the team added experience and versatility at running back ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in London.
Austin Ekeler Returns to the Active Roster
The Commanders officially announced on Tuesday that Ekeler had re-signed and joined the 53-man roster. The veteran running back spent the previous two seasons with Washington before suffering a torn Achilles in Week 2 of the 2025 season.
Ekeler, fully recovered, provides depth behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and rookie Kaytron Allen. Head coach Dan Quinn was enthusiastic about the reunion. He noted Ekeler’s value as a teammate and his ability to contribute in the new offensive system. Quinn confirmed that Ekeler would travel with the team to London, with his exact role to be determined after practice.
“It was definitely good to have him back in today. We’ll get him into practice and see where it gets into on Thursday and Friday as we get towards the end of the week.” – Dan Quinn
In his prior time with the Commanders (primarily 2024), Ekeler contributed 733 yards from scrimmage. He had four touchdowns across 12 games (six starts). His dual-threat skill set as a runner and receiver, has long been a strength.
The move was not a direct response to Rachaad White’s shoulder injury from the Week 3 win over the Seattle Seahawks; discussions and the decision to bring Ekeler back predated the game.
Leo Chenal Placed on Injured Reserve
To open a roster spot for Ekeler, the Commanders placed linebacker Leo Chenal on injured reserve. Chenal suffered a neck injury (fracture) during the second quarter of the 33-31 victory over the Seahawks on September 27. He underwent season-ending neck surgery on Monday, which Quinn said went well.
Chenal, who signed a three-year deal with Washington in free agency earlier in 2026 after winning Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, had recorded 18 tackles in three games before the injury. He is expected to make a full recovery but will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Practice Squad Adjustments: Charles Snowden In, Marvin Jones Jr. Out
The Commanders also made some refinements to the practice squad:
- Signed outside linebacker/defensive end Charles Snowden to the practice squad.
- Placed outside linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. on the practice squad injured list.
Snowden, a Silver Spring, Maryland native and former University of Virginia standout, is a 6-foot-6 edge defender who spent the previous two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Across 33 career games (18 starts), he has tallied 67 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback hits.
He had a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys earlier in 2026 and is now eligible after serving a three-game suspension. Reports indicate he could move to the active roster in the near future.
What These Moves Mean for the Commanders
The Commanders make adjustments as they prepare for the London game. With Austin Ekeler re-signed, Washington add a proven playmaker who knows the organization and coaching staff.
The linebacker room faces significant shortages with Chenal’s season-ending injury, following earlier injuries to Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee. Kain Medrano filled in famously against the Seahawks with his 50-yard interception touchdown.
Washington are 1-2 after the Seahawks win, and will look to carry on their momentum in Week 4 against the Colts.