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The Washington Commanders already lost one of their defensive players, Deatrich Wise, to injury in their “Thursday Night Football” matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Now, they have lost running back Austin Ekeler to a non-contact leg injury.
Ekeler went down on a passing play in the fourth quarterback away from the ball. The 30-year-old veteran appeared to be making a cut but fell to the ground, reaching for his right lower leg.
Ekeler attempted to get up, but the Commanders’ medical staff had him remain down on the turf. He eventually got up to stand and was helped off the field, putting no weight on his right leg.
The Amazon Prime broadcast initially showed Ekeler sitting on the bench while continuing to get treatment. However, just a few minutes later, the veteran running back was seen being carted into the locker room.
The Commanders quickly ruled Ekeler out for the game with an Achilles injury, stoking fears he had suffered a significant injury.
The belief is Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles at the end of the Commanders’ loss to the Packers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Ekeler will have an MRI on Friday to confirm the diagnosis.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports “there is not a lot of hope” regarding Ekeler’s injury going into the MRI.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the team won’t have an update until Monday.
Ekeler is listed as the top running back on Washington’s depth chart. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, whose nickname is Bill, would likely see an uptick in playing time if Ekeler’s MRI confirms an Achilles tear.
Below is the full look at Washington’s running back depth chart:
Austin EkelerBill Croskey-MerrittJeremy McNicholsChris Rodriguez Jr.Donovan Edwards (practice squad)
Rodriguez did not dress for Thursday’s game. The bruiser would likely replace Ekeler on the active, game-day roster and become the short-yardage and potential goal-line back in Washington’s backfield-by-committee.
(This story will be updated as more information becomes available.)