Sources indicate that the Washington Commanders are concerned veteran running back Austin Ekeler suffered a tear in his right Achilles tendon during the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s 27-18 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The 30-year-old Ekeler is set to have imaging on Friday to verify the injury, the sources added. “That will be significant,” Commanders head coach Dan Quinn remarked regarding the possible season-long absence of Ekeler. “He provides a lot of unique things for us.”
The incident occurred with 5:50 remaining, as Ekeler attempted to cut while running a route on third-and-10, collapsing to the turf and requiring assistance from trainers to the sideline for evaluation of his right foot.
Ekeler was escorted to the locker room and quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
He departed the stadium on crutches, sporting a walking boot on his right foot. “He’s one of the great leaders on this team,” rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt commented.
“I learn a lot from him, so it’s definitely tough.” Ekeler ended the contest with eight carries for 17 yards and two receptions for 7 yards.
As Washington’s lead rusher and key third-down option, he posted 367 rushing yards and 366 receiving yards across 12 appearances last season.
