Commanders RB Austin Ekeler ‘absolutely’ on track to return Sunday

Austin Ekeler says he has one more hurdle to clear for Week 5 return.

The Washington Commanders returned to practice on Wednesday in preparation for their Week 5 meeting with the Cleveland Browns. In some good news, Washington could be getting back one of its top offensive weapons.

Running back Austin Ekeler missed last week’s game with a concussion. In a radio interview on Tuesday, he said he was optimistic about playing against the Browns. On Wednesday, he returned to practice on a limited basis.

After practice, reporters caught up with Ekeler in the locker room, where he offered another update.

“Feeling good, in the last steps of the protocol here, had a non-contact practice here today,” Ekeler said. “So very fortunate to have been working with the staff, getting back to feeling like myself. So, excited to be back. It was giving me anxiety watching from home. That’s something you don’t want to do as an active player. But made it through the process and have one more step tomorrow, back to……first padded practice.”

Ekeler was asked if he was on track to play Sunday.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Ekeler said. “If tomorrow goes well, padded practice, we’ll be back on the field with the boys.”

In Ekeler’s absence last week, Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, while Jeremy McNichols ran for 68 yards and two scores.