The Washington Commanders have officially designated RB Austin Ekeler to return from injured reserve.

We have opened the 21-day practice window for RB Austin Ekeler pic.twitter.com/7OIUY28TLR

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 1, 2025

This move opens a critical three-week window for Ekeler to practice with the team before he must be added to the active roster.

At 29 years old, Ekeler went undrafted out of Western State in 2017. He finished the last year of his three-year contract and was set to become a restricted free agent when he signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal that included $15 million guaranteed.

During the 2023 season, Ekeler earned a base salary of $6,250,000 and entered free agency during the offseason. Subsequently, he signed a two-year deal with the Commanders.

In the 2024 season, Ekeler has seen action in 11 games, rushing for 355 yards on 74 carries (an impressive average of 4.8 yards per carry) and scoring four touchdowns. Additionally, he has recorded 33 receptions on 39 targets for 346 yards.