Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler’s night took a concerning turn during Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, as the veteran exited the game late in the fourth quarter with a non-contact injury.
What Happened to Austin Ekeler?
The injury happened in the fourth quarter when Ekeler was out for a route and went to make a cut, but fell down and grabbed his lower calf. Replay quickly drew concern from analysts and fans alike, as it suggested a potential Achilles injury.
Ekeler tried to get up but was unable to put weight on his right leg. He needed help to get off the field before being carted to the locker room. Minutes later, the Commanders ruled him out for the game with an Achilles injury.
Austin Ekeler just tore his achilles man, this might be it for him 💔 pic.twitter.com/F2uf6V9brW
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 12, 2025
Shortly after the game ended, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that the fear is that Ekeler tore his Achilles.
“Commanders believe veteran RB Austin Ekeler did in fact tear his Achilles during Thursday night’s loss at Green Bay,” Schefter posted. “Ekeler still needs to undergo imaging that is scheduled Friday for confirmation.”
Before the injury, Ekeler carried the ball eight times for 17 yards against the Packers while catching two passes for seven yards.
Ekeler signed with the Commanders in March 2024 after spending the first eight years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He is in the last year of his contract, making the timing of the injury that much worse.
If early fears are confirmed, the Commanders will be forced to turn to their younger options to carry the backfield workload. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to step into a larger role moving forward.
The seventh-round pick flashed potential in Week 1 against the New York Giants, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Washington may also look to the free agent market if Ekeler’s injury is season-ending.
Ekeler’s Injury Fantasy Impact
This sure looks like a season-ender for Ekeler. Possibly a career-ender, given his age. It would be a really unfortunate ending to one of the great success stories.
Ekeler looked noticeably slower over the first two weeks of the 2025 season compared to last year. With him out and the Commanders having traded away Brian Robinson Jr., we’re looking at Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the new starter, but don’t expect him to suddenly be a three-down back. Jeremy McNichols will step into the Ekeler role.
Expect Chris Rodriguez to be active next week as well. He could assume the short yardage and goal line role. However, if the Commanders saw him as someone they’d want in that role, they wouldn’t have made him a healthy inactive the first two weeks. JCM should tentatively be considered the most likely goal-line back.
