The Washington Commanders lost 27-18 to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. While this was a disappointing result, the effects of the loss will be felt beyond the team’s “losses” column.
Veteran running back Austin Ekeler went down with a non-contact injury while running a route in the fourth quarter of the game. The injury is a devastating blow to the player and his team, but how long will Ekeler be sidelined for?
Austin Ekeler Injury Update
Ekeler tried to get up and walk off the field, but immediately dropped back to the ground. Medical staff rushed over and eventually helped him to his feet, though he was unable to put weight on his right leg as they escorted him off.
He was then carted back down the tunnel at Lambeau Field and was suspected to have suffered a torn Achilles. On Saturday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Ekeler has torn his Achilles and will be out for the remainder of the season.
More importantly, a torn Achilles would threaten to end Ekeler’s career completely, given the player’s age and position. Ekeler turned 30 in May and is in the final year of a two-year, $8.34 million contract he signed in 2024.
Austin Ekeler just tore his achilles man, this might be it for him 💔 pic.twitter.com/F2uf6V9brW
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 12, 2025
Players have returned to NFL action after tearing their Achilles, but given the amount of mobility needed to play the running back position, it would be far harder for Ekeler.
Ekeler Sends Message After Achilles Tear
After the news of his injury was confirmed, Ekeler sent a message through his Instagram account. “Thank you all for the love and well wishes,” the Commanders star said. “I appreciate you all.”
The Commanders face a tough schedule in 2025, with the NFC East matched up against both the NFC North and the AFC West. To survive a stacked division and stay in the playoff mix, they’ll need immediate contributions from others to offset Ekeler’s absence.
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to take on a lead role in Washington’s backfield, with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols contributing behind him. Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch so far this year, but should now step into the RB3 role.
Following Ekeler’s injury, versatile wideout Deebo Samuel may be asked to line up in the backfield more often. The decision to trade away Brian Robinson Jr. ahead of Week 1 is one the team may already regret.
