The Washington Commanders’ offensive struggles intensified during the fourth quarter of “Thursday Night Football,” as running back Austin Ekeler was taken off the field on a cart due to a non-contact injury.
The incident occurred when the 30-year-old attempted a cut upfield during a passing play. He immediately collapsed and grabbed his right calf. The Commanders subsequently announced that he had sustained an Achilles injury.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that the Commanders suspect Ekeler tore his Achilles and will conduct further imaging on Friday to confirm the diagnosis.
A significant injury for Ekeler — and Achilles injuries are seldom minor — would considerably alter the Commanders’ running back situation. The veteran led the Commanders running backs in Week 1 with 33 offensive snaps, ahead of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran Jeremy McNichols.
Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, is now likely to be the primary backfield option after accumulating 82 rushing yards and a touchdown in Washington’s season opener. However, it was McNichols who received the snaps during the Commanders’ final drive in their 27-18 defeat.
For Ekeler, the injury is particularly unfortunate as it follows a 2024 season in which he suffered multiple concussions and finished with 733 scrimmage yards, his lowest total since his rookie season.
