Ekeler is signing a two-year contract with the Commanders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The Chargers don't plan to give Ekeler a franchise tag, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Though Ekeler remains in line to start, Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller are also expected to see work in the Chargers' backfield Sunday against the Broncos, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Ekeler may be at risk of losing out on some snaps and touches out of the backfield after Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday that "competition for carries is going to be something that you can see happening," Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports. "We're going to keep exploring, making adjustments, so that we can find that rhythm that I've been talking about," Staley said. "We know that Austin is a good running back. We just haven't found any rhythm in the last couple of weeks in the run game. Just need to keep after it and keep working hard in practice."

Ekeler carried the ball 14 times for 18 yards and caught two of his three targets for nine yards in Sunday's 6-0 win over the Patriots.

Ekeler rushed 10 times for 64 yards and lost a fumble in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Packers. He also caught two of three targets for six yards.

Ekeler (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday.

Ekeler (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Ekeler said Tuesday that he's "99 percent" certain that he'll play Monday against the Cowboys, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Ekeler (ankle) was present at Tuesday's unofficial practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.