The Washington Commanders’ running back corps was dealt a significant blow on Thursday night as Austin Ekeler sustained a non-contact Achilles injury in a 27-18 road loss to the Green Bay Packers.
ESPN and NFL.com reported that the team fears Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon.
Ekeler, who has endured a series of ailments throughout his NFL career, fell after he tried to cut while running a route with less than six minutes left in the game. He had to be helped off the field before trainers examined his right foot. After being carted to the locker room, the 30-year-old veteran was ruled out.
The Commanders’ starting running back, Ekeler tied for the team lead on Thursday with 17 rushing yards on eight carries. He also had two receptions for 7 yards.
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick, also had 17 rushing yards against Green Bay and would likely see his carries increase if Ekeler sustained a significant injury. Croskey-Merritt rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries in a Week 1 victory over the New York Giants.
Ekeler broke his hand as a rookie in 2017 while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, then sustained a neck stinger and a concussion the following season.
In 2020, Ekeler went down with a hamstring strain and landed on injured reserve before returning, then suffered a concussion in the season finale. He injured his ankle in 2023 before enduring another concussion last season, his first with the Commanders.
In nine seasons with the Chargers (2017-23) and Commanders (2024-present), Ekeler has rushed for 4,765 yards and 43 touchdowns on 1,081 carries. He also has 480 receptions for 4,288 yards and 30 touchdowns.
