Dan Quinn expressed optimism to the media this week that one particular player might be coming back this week.
Sure enough, on Saturday, the Commanders made a couple of roster moves, the most noticeable of which was activating running back Austin Ekeler from the injured reserve.
On November 24, in a home contest against the Cowboys, Ekeler suffered a concussion when returning for a kickoff in the final quarter. The concussion was considered bad enough that the Commanders did not attempt to get Ekeler back the next week.
Instead, they placed Ekeler on IR, meaning he would be out for at least four weeks. Therefore, there would be no temptation to attempt to return too soon.
Consequently, Ekeler missed games against the Titans, Saints, Eagles, and Falcons. This week, Quinn told the media this week that Ekeler looked good and was definitely trending toward being activated soon.
This roster move was officially announced on Saturday. To make room for Ekeler, someone had to be removed from the 53-man roster. Thus, the Commanders chose to place rookie safety Tyler Owens on IR.
It is unfortunate for Owens, but he has been recovering from an ankle injury. Owens appeared in 12 games for the Commanders, with every snap of his participation coming on special teams. He was undrafted out of Texas Tech, and after a good training camp and preseason, he made the 53-man roster.
The Commanders also elevated offensive tackle Bobby Hart and cornerback Bobby Price from the practice squad.
Of interest will be if the Commanders choose to use Ekeler Sunday in a limited role, only in the backfield, choosing not to use him in kickoff return duties Sunday.