Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler exited Thursday Night Football with a concerning non-contact injury that could significantly impact the team’s backfield rotation. The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter during Washington’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers on September 11, 2025.
Ekeler went down without contact and immediately grabbed at his right lower leg, sparking fears of an Achilles injury. Trainers rushed to his aid, and the veteran back was unable to put weight on his leg before being helped off the field. Moments later, he was carted to the locker room for further evaluation.
The injury is a major setback for Washington, which traded away Brian Robinson Jr. before the start of the season. Ekeler, acquired in the offseason to provide veteran stability, had been splitting snaps with Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With his status now uncertain, Croskey-Merritt is expected to take on a heavier workload, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. likely stepping into bigger roles as well.
Thursday’s loss to the Packers was already a difficult outing for the Commanders, and Ekeler’s injury adds to the team’s challenges as they prepare for their next game. Washington will have a longer-than-usual break before returning to action a week from Sunday, but Ekeler’s recovery timeline remains unclear.
The Commanders are expected to release an update on the severity of the injury following medical tests. If confirmed as an Achilles injury, Ekeler could face a lengthy absence, forcing Washington to rethink its offensive approach heading into the heart of the season.
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Ekeler went down without contact and immediately grabbed at his right lower leg, sparking fears of an Achilles injury. Trainers rushed to his aid, and the veteran back was unable to put weight on his leg before being helped off the field. Moments later, he was carted to the locker room for further evaluation.
The injury is a major setback for Washington, which traded away Brian Robinson Jr. before the start of the season. Ekeler, acquired in the offseason to provide veteran stability, had been splitting snaps with Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With his status now uncertain, Croskey-Merritt is expected to take on a heavier workload, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. likely stepping into bigger roles as well.
Thursday’s loss to the Packers was already a difficult outing for the Commanders, and Ekeler’s injury adds to the team’s challenges as they prepare for their next game. Washington will have a longer-than-usual break before returning to action a week from Sunday, but Ekeler’s recovery timeline remains unclear.
The Commanders are expected to release an update on the severity of the injury following medical tests. If confirmed as an Achilles injury, Ekeler could face a lengthy absence, forcing Washington to rethink its offensive approach heading into the heart of the season.
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