Austin Ekeler isn’t closing the door on a move to Las Vegas, and the Raiders have suddenly become the team he’s willing to talk about.
In a recent interview with Las Vegas sports reporter Madyson Marie, the former Chargers running back said the idea of joining the Raiders this season would make sense to him, especially because the city is home.
"Now being in my hometown [Las Vegas], would be a dream for my family," Ekeler said.
He also made it clear he’s not trying to force anything. Ekeler framed the fit as something that would depend on the roster situation and where things stand with Ashton Jeanty.
"Is the situation right? We'll have to see.
How is [Ashton] Jeanty feeling? Do they need another guy?
Ekeler kept the pitch broad from there, saying he still sees himself as a useful piece for a team if the opportunity is there.
"Because if I'm on a team, I'm going to be your third-down back. I want to be your two-minute guy.
I want to be protecting your quarterback in passing situations. That's where I'm best.
I can still run the ball, I can return kicks. If that presents itself, sure.
If not, it's all good."
The 31-year-old spent the 2025 season with the Commanders after signing with Washington in 2024. Before that, he played his first seven NFL seasons with the Chargers after arriving as an undrafted back.
Those years in Los Angeles were the peak of his career. Ekeler developed into one of the league’s most dangerous backs for a stretch earlier in the decade, producing 990 rushing attempts for 4,355 yards and 39 rushing touchdowns, while also adding 440 catches for 3,884 yards and 30 scores as a receiver. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and 8.8 yards per reception.
Ekeler left the Chargers in free agency after the 2023 season and signed a two-year deal with the Commanders, but he was not nearly as explosive or dynamic in Washington as he had been in Los Angeles.
For now, the Raiders haven’t shown interest in Ekeler. They also appear set at running back with Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr.
In Other News...
Chargers Practice Squad Shuffle Brings In Some Very Familiar Names
The Chargers roster work for 2026 didnt stop at the 53-man deadline. After trimming down the active group, the team turned to the practice squad and added a mix of developmental depth and one especially familiar name, signing tight end Patrick Herbert, the younger brother of quarterback Justin Herbert, along with cornerback Kaiir Elam, wide receiver Theo Wease and defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson.
It also meant a few familiar faces moved out of the picture, with cornerback Isas Waxter, wide receiver Devonte Ross and defensive lineman Jahmeer Carter all released from the practice squad. For a Chargers team trying to keep as much quality depth around its quarterback as possible, the family connection attached to Herberts latest addition is the kind of detail that will keep getting attention as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Add Another Mike McDaniel Connection Fans Should Keep An Eye On
After trimming to their Week 1 roster, the Chargers have added another familiar name to the mix by signing wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. to the practice squad. Wease comes in as an undrafted free agent from 2025 and gives Los Angeles another body in a receiver room that can never really have too much depth once the regular season starts.
Wease also brings a small but notable connection to Mike McDaniels orbit, having spent time with the Miami Dolphins under the offensive coordinator before landing in Los Angeles. He got into one game last season and found the end zone, a reminder that even a practice squad addition can carry a little upside if the right opening comes along. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Suddenly Have A Week 1 Problem At Linebacker
Denzel Perrymans season-opening trip to injured reserve leaves the Chargers with an early-season hole to sort out at linebacker, and it comes at a time when Jim Harbaugh is still trying to settle roles across the roster. Perryman will miss at least four games, and Harbaugh said the return timeline will hinge on how his rehab goes, which only adds another layer of uncertainty to a position group that now needs a starter by default.
Los Angeles does have options on the depth chart, with Troy Dye, DelShawn Phillips and Marlowe Wax all in the mix for snaps, but the team has not publicly settled on who will take over the job. For a defense that wants stability right away, the bigger issue may be how quickly someone can step in and look the part while Perryman works his way back. [Read more 🡒]