The Washington Commanders could get a significant contributor to their offense back this week in the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Running back Austin Ekeler is eligible to return from injured reserve after missing the last four games.
Coincidentally enough, it was against the Dallas Cowboys at the end of their Week 12 matchup, where Ekeler suffered his second concussion of the season. Ekeler later explained why it was a scary time for him.
On Monday, Ekeler joined “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., and gave an update on his health.
“This is one category it’s tough to talk about, just because you don’t want to say something and something else happens, so it’s kind of a week-to-week thing,” Ekeler said via Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “Unfortunately, right now that’s all I can really say on it, just so I can be in alignment with what is out there in the public, but my hope is that I can get back and make more contributions to this team, hopefully soon.”
Ekeler is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, so he must complete many important steps before returning to action.
There are a lot of boxes that need to be checked with concussion protocol and that, but you don’t really know — you have to make sure the independent (neurologists) are taking their time and doing due diligence and feel comfortable with you getting back on the field. That’s out of my control, so it’s a process; hurdles have been cleared, but that will tell me when I’m able to get back on the field.”
Something worth noting here: Ekeler said “hurdles have been cleared.” That’s good news, but it does not mean he can return against Dallas. The Commanders may keep him sidelined for another week, with the hope that he can return for the playoffs.
Ekeler was having a good season as one of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ top targets before his injury. In 11 games, Ekeler has rushed for 355 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per rush, and scored four rushing touchdowns. Ekeler has caught 33 passes for 346 yards. With players like Noah Brown and Dyami Brown sidelined, Daniels and the Commanders would love to get Ekeler back in time for the playoffs — if not sooner.
