Austin Ekeler has been flying under the radar in NFL free agency, but a major update on his health could change that quickly.

The veteran running back, who spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders after a standout career with the Los Angeles Chargers, suffered a torn Achilles early last season against the Green Bay Packers. The injury ended his 2025 campaign and left his future uncertain as he entered free agency.

Now, there's good news: according to a league source, Ekeler is fully 100% medically cleared for all football activities and intends to play this season. For a player known for his dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver, this is a significant step toward getting back on the field.

However, the road ahead isn't without challenges. Ekeler turns 31 on May 17—an age that often makes teams hesitant to invest in running backs. While there have been recent success stories of older backs defying the odds, coming off a major injury like a torn Achilles adds another layer of difficulty.

The Commanders, meanwhile, have loaded up their backfield and likely won't be in the market for his return. Ekeler's best strategy might be to follow the path of players like Nick Chubb, waiting for the right opportunity closer to the season when a team's need becomes clear.

For now, Ekeler remains a free agent with a clean bill of health and plenty of proven talent. The next chapter of his career is still unwritten, but the foundation is set for a comeback.