NFL
Austin Ekeler concussion update: how severe is his injury and how long will he be out for?
As if defeat to the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t bad enough news to stomach, another disappointing injury has arrived.
The Washington Commanders are dealing with a tough situation after a Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Amid late-game drama and a flurry of injuries, the spotlight now turns to running back Austin Ekeler, who left the field after suffering a concussion. Here’s what we know about the severity of his injury and the potential timeline for his return.
Ekeler suffers concussion on final play
In a game that saw its fair share of chaos, the Commanders found themselves in a last-ditch effort to pull off a miracle. With less than 10 seconds on the clock and trailing by eight, Ekeler sprinted full throttle on a kick return. The attempt ended in a collision that left him on the turf, his helmet slamming hard against the ground.
The scene was grim. Ekeler remained down for several minutes as teammates and opponents alike knelt in concern. The 29-year-old eventually walked off with assistance, but his unsteady gait painted a clear picture of the blow’s impact. Shortly after, he was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
How severe is Ekeler injury?
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed after the game that Ekeler suffered a concussion and entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. While no timeline has been given, concussions are unpredictable and vary in recovery time. The Commanders have one more game before their bye week – against the Titans on Sunday, December 1 – and it seems likely Ekeler could sit out to ensure a full recovery. For a player as pivotal as Ekeler, there’s no sense in rushing him back. New Orleans awaits on Dec 15.
The injury couldn’t come at a worse time. Fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr. also suffered an ankle injury earlier in the game but managed to return. If Ekeler is sidelined, Robinson will shoulder a heavier load, with Jeremy McNichols stepping into the RB2 role. That’s not exactly a comforting depth chart for a team in the middle of a playoff push.
Ekeler’s impact and what’s next
In his first year with Washington after seven standout seasons with the Chargers, Ekeler has brought versatility and leadership to the Commanders' offense. With 667 combined yards and four rushing touchdowns this season, his absence would leave a noticeable gap.
The coming days will offer more clarity as Ekeler undergoes further evaluations. For now, the Commanders must hope the injury is a short-term setback. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance and a brutal schedule ahead, Washington needs all hands on deck – but not at the cost of player safety.
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