Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler suffered an injury in the club’s Week 12 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Here’s the latest after Sunday’s game.
What Happened to Austin Ekeler?
Ekeler stayed down on the field after taking a hard shot while returning a kickoff just before the end of Washington’s Week 12 loss to the Cowboys.
Ekeler didn’t move for quite a while after going down, creating a frightening scene near the conclusion of Sunday’s game. Players from both teams took knees as Washington’s medical staff attended to Ekeler.
Austin Ekeler #commanders
Scary looking play, appears to get hit in the head while running, then again hits his head hard on the ground.
Hoping for the best 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/1r0t9z9Wzq
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) November 24, 2024
Ekeler’s kickoff return came with just nine seconds remaining in Sunday’s game. Washington — trailing 34-26 — got off two passes, including a failed Hail Mary attempt, after Ekeler suffered his injury.
Ekeler eventually left the field with the help of the Commanders’ trainers. He appeared unsteady as he walked to the sideline.
Austin Ekeler walks off, but clearly isn’t right. Very scary. Praying he’s ok. pic.twitter.com/AHe6YQ55D5
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 24, 2024
After Washington’s loss, head coach Dan Quinn said Ekeler suffered a concussion. A team spokesman said Ekeler went to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution.”
Ekeler wasn’t the only Commanders RB to suffer an injury in Week 12.
Starter Brian Robinson Jr. injured his ankle in the first quarter. While he initially returned after being listed as questionable, Robinson didn’t play a snap in the second half.
With Robinson sidelined, Ekeler handled the lion’s share of Washington’s running back touches, taking nine carries for 22 yards while adding two receptions for two yards.
Fellow RB Jeremy McNichols received three caries, QB Jayden Daniels rushed seven times for 74 yards and a TD, and wide wideout Dyami Brown took one attempt for a 14-yard gain.
The Commanders will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 13 before taking their bye in Week 14. With Robinson and Ekeler both banged up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Washington rest both players next Sunday and through the bye.
Fantasy Impact of Ekeler’s Injury
McNichols looms as the rare impact add late in the season. With both of Washington’s lead backs ailing, McNichols could lead this backfield during the home stretch.
He’s scored four times this year, and while he lacks versatility, this offense has the potential for solid volume. Washington has a late bye (Week 14), but with the Saints, Eagles, and Falcons to round out the fantasy football season, top-20 production during the playoffs is well within McNichols’ range of outcomes.
— PFN Analyst Kyle Soppe