Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn met with the media on Monday, one day after the team’s disappointing 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
If the loss wasn’t bad enough, the Commanders suffered multiple injuries to three of their most important offensive players.
- RB Austin Ekeler (concussion)
- RB Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle)
- RT Andrew Wylie (concussion)
Quinn offered an update all three players.
“Yes, Austin, [I] had a chance to visit with today, and fortunately, last night did all the scans, and that side came back good,” Quinn said. “It certainly was sore, but he will be in the concussion protocol. But man, it was good to see him. Those are scary moments when those concussions like that take place.”
Head injuries are tough to predict. There is no “minor” concussion. And considering this is Ekeler’s second concussion this season, the Commanders will be cautious with him.
Robinson missed three games earlier this season with knee and hamstring injuries. He returned against Philadelphia in Week 11 and rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown. Robinson injured his ankle on his first carry against Dallas. He returned to the field after getting an X-ray, carried the football two more times, and did not return.
Quinn said Robinson “came in for treatment today, ankle injury to go. We’ll see how much work that he does during the week, so I’ll have a better sense for you as we get further along.”
If both can’t go, Jeremy McNichols takes over as Washington’s lead back. He has played well this season when given an opportunity. Also, the Commanders would likely bring back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who they released on Saturday to make room for rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Rodriguez played a pivotal role in Washington’s second win over the Giants a few weeks back.
Wylie is also in the NFL’s concussion protocol. If Wylie can’t go, Trent Scott is his backup, but Washington could move Cornelius Lucas back to right tackle with a healthy Brandon Coleman at left tackle.
