Austin Ekeler: What we know after Commanders RB suffers Achilles setback
Washington Commander’s Austin Ekeler. Image Credit: AP Photo/Nick Wass
The Washington Commanders’ Thursday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers came with devastating news for their offense. Veteran running back Austin Ekeler was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter after sustaining a non-contact Achilles injury. Early reports suggest the team fears a season-ending tear, a crushing blow for both Ekeler and Washington.
How the Injury Happened
Ekeler went down without contact during a fourth-quarter play, immediately grabbing his leg before being helped off the field. Moments later, he was ruled out for the rest of the game, which ended in a 27-18 loss for Washington.
The sight of Ekeler on the cart silenced Lambeau Field, with teammates gathering around the 29-year-old back. Given the nature of the injury, initial assessments from USA Today points toward a likely Achilles tear, pending MRI confirmation.
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What This Means for the Commanders’ Season
The Commanders signed Ekeler in the offseason to add depth and veteran leadership to their backfield. Through two games, he had already shown flashes of his versatility, contributing both as a rusher and a pass-catcher.
Losing him would put additional pressure on Jayden Daniels, Washington’s young quarterback, to carry the offense. It also places a heavier workload on backup backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Brian Robinson Jr., who now must step up in Ekeler’s absence.
Achilles Injuries in the NFL: A Difficult Road Back
For NFL players, an Achilles tear is among the most challenging injuries to overcome. Recovery often takes 9–12 months, with many running backs struggling to regain explosiveness afterward.
If confirmed, Ekeler’s injury would mirror the fate of several other high-profile players in recent years, underscoring just how devastating Achilles issues can be for skill-position players who rely on burst and agility.
Fantasy Football Fallout
Ekeler entered the season as a popular fantasy football starter, making this news a massive shake-up for managers. Washington’s offense now becomes a situation to monitor closely, with Croskey-Merritt and Robinson emerging as potential waiver-wire targets.
Fantasy experts caution that while volume will be there, neither option replicates Ekeler’s proven pass-catching ability, which has been his trademark throughout his career.
What’s Next for Austin Ekeler and Washington
The Commanders will likely provide an official update after Austin Ekeler undergoes imaging tests. If the Achilles tear is confirmed, his season is over, and Washington must pivot quickly to adjust its offensive identity.
For Ekeler, the setback raises questions about his long-term durability at this stage of his career. Entering his seventh NFL season, he has been one of the league’s most productive dual-threat backs, and a full recovery will be critical to extending his career.
