Austin Ekeler Suffers Torn Achilles, Out for Season

The Washington Commanders will face a significant setback as running back Austin Ekeler has suffered a torn right Achilles, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the Commanders’ 27-18 loss to Green Bay on October 5, 2023. According to sources, the injury was anticipated after Ekeler fell to the ground unassisted with just under six minutes left in the game.

After the incident, Ekeler expressed gratitude for the support he received through social media, stating, “Thank you all for the love and well wishes. I appreciate you all,” in an Instagram story. Following the game, he was seen leaving the locker room with a walking boot and crutches, visibly distressed about his season-ending injury.

Coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the impact of Ekeler’s absence, saying, “That will be significant. He provides a lot of unique things for us.” Ekeler was not only the primary back for the Commanders but also excelled in critical situations, particularly on third downs and in various offensive formations. Last season, he accumulated 367 rushing yards and 366 receiving yards, underscoring his versatility and importance to the team’s offensive strategy.

The Commanders currently have three other running backs on their roster: rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, veteran Jeremy McNichols, and third-year player Chris Rodriguez. Rodriguez had been inactive for the first two games, but he performed well during training camp and the preseason. Additionally, the Commanders traded veteran Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round draft pick last month, further complicating their backfield situation.

Ekeler, who spent his first seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, emerged as an undrafted free agent and became a significant contributor in the NFL. His leadership and performance will be sorely missed as the Commanders navigate the remainder of the season without him.

As the team adjusts to this new reality, they will need to rely on their remaining running backs to step up and fill the void left by Ekeler’s absence. The loss is not only a blow to the Commanders’ offensive game plan but also a tough personal challenge for Ekeler as he begins his recovery process.