Tag: Austin Ekeler

Commanders coach Dan Quinn gives encouraging injury update on RB Austin Ekeler

Some potentially good news concerning Commanders RB Austin Ekeler.

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is eligible to return from injured reserve ahead of next week’s regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. It’s fitting that Ekeler could potentially return against the Cowboys as it was at the end of the game against Dallas in Week 12 when Ekeler suffered his second concussion of the season.

Before Ekeler was injured, he was among Washington’s top receivers and rushers. Early this season, Ekeler was a critical part of the Commanders’ passing game with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington was in a bit of an offensive tailspin at the time of Ekeler’s injury. However, the Commanders have won all three games that Ekeler has missed.

Shortly after his injury, Ekeler offered a scary update on his second concussion this season.

“I think it’s important to kind of diagnose the magnitude of the situation – like, I didn’t even remember how I got off the field,” Ekeler said earlier this month in an appearance on “Grant and Danny” of 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C.

“I remember kind of coming to, but I had some short-term memory loss, and all I remember was my wife was sitting in the room, and I was getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room.”

The Commanders host the Falcons this week with a chance to clinch a playoff berth. Is it possible for Ekeler to return next week?

“Absolutely possible,” head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday. “Yeah. So, Austin is definitely trending in the right way. Workouts are going great. He’s in meetings; he’s doing all the stuff with us. So yeah, we’re certainly optimistic, and we’ll just play the whole thing out. But like you said, the earliest that he would begin is next week. But, it’s been encouraging to see the progress that he’s made.”

That’s excellent news for the Commanders. If Ekeler is cleared ahead of next week and Washington clinches on Sunday, would the team sit him for Week 18 or hold him out until the playoff opener?

Regardless, the Commanders could be getting some key players back from IR, such as Ekeler and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

A solid backup quarterback is the most important thing to an NFL team, and Kenny Pickett finally had his moment after Jalen Hurts was forced to exit with a concussion. The former Steelers first-round pick had one ugly interception but made some big throws as Philadelphia went into the half with a 2-14 lead.

An Eagles win would give Nick Sirianni, the head coach, his second NFC East title in four years.

Here are sights and sounds from the first half.

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Where does Rich Eisen have the Commanders in his power rankings?

Where does Rich Eisen see the Commanders after a week off?

Rich Eisen presented his weekly NFL power rankings, reminding many viewers that it is a week-to-week league.

Last week, following the Commanders’ tremendous display of rushing offense in their 42-19 convincing win over the Tennessee Titans, Eisen had the Commanders ranked No. 10

This week, Eisen began with the Rams after their high-scoring home win over the Bills. Eisen thus has the Rams now as his No. 10 team.

Consequently, with the Rams offense getting in gear and the Commanders having lost Austin Ekeler and Noah Brown in consecutive games, Eisen has dropped the Commanders out of his top 10 power rankings.

Commanders fans need not get upset. If the Commanders defeat the Saints in New Orleans this week and then the Eagles in Washington the following Sunday, Eisen will no doubt easily have the Commanders back in his top 10.

Seeing the Commanders have now dropped out of Eisen’s top 10, here is this week’s top ten according to Rich Eisen:

  • 10. Los Angeles Rams
  • 9. Seattle Seahawks
  • 8. Baltimore Ravens
  • 7. Green Bay Packers
  • 6. Minnesota Vikings
  • 5. Buffalo Bills
  • 4. Pittsburgh Steelers
  • 3. Kansas City Chiefs
  • 2. Philadelphia Eagles
  • 1. Detroit Lions

Commanders RB Austin Ekeler gives concerning injury update

Austin Ekeler gives an injury update.

Austin Ekeler has been everything the Washington Commanders expected when they signed him early in free agency. Ekeler has contributed big plays to the running game, passing game and as Washington’s primary kick returner.

But this season has also been a struggle for the eight-year veteran. In a Week 3 win at Cincinnati, Ekeler suffered a concussion and missed the following week.

He returned in Week 5, but at the end of Washington’s Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Ekeler suffered another concussion. The Commanders placed Ekeler on injured reserve, meaning he would miss at least the next four games.

Ekeler has joined the “Grant and Danny” show all season long on 106.7 The Fan after Washington games. While he didn’t appear last week, Ekeler returned to the show on Tuesday to give an update.

“Definitely went through it there for a little bit, just with the concussion symptoms and trying to just get through the fogginess feeling, but definitely trending in the right direction,” Ekeler said Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “Now just still dealing with some repercussions of the hit, but trending in the right direction.”

It’s excellent news that Ekeler is trending in the right direction. However, the situation was touch and go last week in the days immediately after he suffered the concussion.

“I think it’s important to kind of diagnose the magnitude of the situation – like, I didn’t even remember how I got off the field. I remember kind of coming to, but I had some short-term memory loss, and all I remember was my wife was sitting in the room, and I was getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room,” Ekeler said.

Ekeler then said his memory returned, and he remembered everything from that point forward.

Ekeler praised Washington’s medical staff, head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters for prioritizing his health over the team’s needs.

Part of the reason the Commanders placed Ekeler on IR is that he’s also dealing with neck pain since the concussion. Being on IR with Washington and also having a bye week allows Ekeler extra time to recover. But with head or neck injuries, there are no timetables. Ekeler confirmed he’s “week-to-week” and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol program.

Ekeler also acknowledged the unknowns of concussions. Because he’s suffered two this season, does that make him more susceptible to a third concussion?

In their first game without Ekeler, the Commanders defeated the Tennessee Titans 42-19 to end a three-game losing streak. Washington rushed for 267 yards in the win.

 

 

Commanders RB Brian Robinson injury news ahead of Week 13

How healthy is Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. vs. Titans?

The Washington Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday. That means Ekeler will miss at least the next four games and is eligible to return in Week 17. So, what about fellow Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr?

Robinson has battled injuries all season. In his second game back against the Cowboys last week, he exited after his first carry. Washington’s leading rusher missed three games earlier this season with knee and hamstring injuries. While those injuries appear behind him, he added a new one against the Cowboys.

Robinson twisted his ankle under the weight of a Dallas player. It didn’t look good, but somehow, Robinson quickly returned. However, after a few more carries, he exited again, this time for good.

Robinson was fortunate the injury isn’t more severe, but it did have him limited in practice last week. Fortunately, though, Robinson was removed from the injury report after participating fully in Friday’s practice.

While Robinson will play, how much can Washington count on him? Jeremy McNichols has been excellent in relief this season. Chris Rogriguez Jr. is also back after being released and re-signed. Rodriguez was critical in the Commanders’ Week 9 win over the Giants.

Tennessee has one of the NFL’s best defenses. Running against the Titans will be difficult. Obviously, a healthy Robinson gives Washington the best chance.

Will Austin Ekeler play this week? Injury updates for Commanders RB

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is dealing with a concussion. Here are the latest updates.

Austin Ekeler is tops among Washington running backs with 701 yards from scrimmage. He also has averaged 31.3 yards on kickoff returns.

Last week, during the 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he suffered a concussion during a kick a return.

Austin Ekeler injury update

The Washington Commanders will be without versatile running back Austin Ekeler for the next four games, at least.

The team put Ekeler on IR on Saturday due to a concussion. They play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Commanders running back depth chart

Brian Robinson Jr. returns for Washington. Jeremy Nichols also is in the running back room. Chris Rodriguez is also on the depth chart.

Commanders’ injury news: Latest on Brian Robinson Jr, Austin Ekeler, Marshon Lattimore

Who is in for the Commanders on Sunday? Who is out? The final injury report for Week 13.

When the Washington Commanders face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, one of their top running backs will be in action. Washington released its final injury report on Friday, and Brian Robinson Jr. will play.

Unfortunately, Austin Ekeler, who suffered a concussion late in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, is out. That’s not surprising. It is Ekeler’s second concussion of the season, and he remains in concussion protocol. Also, right tackle Andrew Wyler will miss Sunday’s game. Like Ekeler, he is also in the NFL’s concussion protocol program.

Wylie was limited in practice this week, so there was some hope he could play. Trent Scott will likely start in his place.

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Sunday. Lattimore made his practice debut on Wednesday but was limited all three days. Head coach Dan Quinn discussed Lattimore’s progress on Friday.

“We’re pumped that he’s certainly closer, but we’re going to huddle up today and end of tomorrow to see where exactly we stand,” Quinn said. “We got a pretty strong process to go through and the player is a part of that too. So, we’re going to make all decisions, protect the team first, but man, is it good to have him back out there and get going.”

It still appears unlikely that Lattimore plays, but it certainly appears he’s headed toward making his Washington debut in Week 15 after Washington’s bye against his old team, the Saints, in New Orleans.

Here is Tennessee’s final injury report for Week 13.

Out: OT Leroy Watson IV (back), CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

Titans injury report: Leroy Watson out, Tyjae Spears questionable

The Tennessee Titans have released their final injury report for Week 13 and expect to have Tyjae Spears back in the fold.

The Tennessee Titans will travel to Landover, MD, on Sunday to play the Washington Commanders in Week 13.

The Titans are getting healthier, although cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and offensive tackle Leroy Watson will remain sidelined this week. The good news is that Awuzie practiced all week, and head coach Brian Callahan is optimistic that he will be back for Week 14.

Callahan was also optimistic that running back Tyjae Spears, who missed Week 12 with a concussion, would clear protocol after practice and be ready to go. His addition could potentially boost the running game against the Commanders, who have struggled against the run throughout 2024. Spears was a full participant in practice on both Thursday and Friday but is questionable for Sunday.

The final injury report and game statuses for the Titans and Commanders are below.

Tennessee Titans

Out: OT Leroy Watson IV (back), CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

Washington Commanders

Out: OT Andrew Wylie (concussion), RB Austin Ekeler (concussion)

Doubtful: CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring)

Questionable: None

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. discusses injury and if he’ll play in Week 13

Will Brian Robinson Jr. be able to play in Week 13?

It’s been a trying year for Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., who was part of a Washington backfield that included him and Austin Ekeler. Robinson looked forward to the 2024 season with Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator.

Things started well for both backs. Ekeler made multiple big plays throughout the early portion of the season, while Robinson rushed for over 100 yards in two of the first four games.

Then, injuries happened. First, Robinson dealt with a knee injury that cost him the Week 6 game at Baltimore. Unfortunately, Robinson’s hamstring became a problem, too, exacerbated by the fact it was the same leg as the knee injury. That cost him two more games.

Robinson returned for the Week 11 game at Philadelphia, leading the Commanders with 63 rushing yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, Robinson injured his ankle on his first carry of the game.

He departed but returned. He would carry the ball two more times before his day was done.

Washington returned to practice Wednesday in preparation for its Week 13 game vs. Tennessee. Robinson was on the practice field, albeit on a limited basis. Still, it was good news, considering he injured his ankle only three days ago.

After practice, Robinson offered an update on his chances of playing Sunday.

“It was a surprising day today, actually,” Robinson said. “I was actually able to go out, put strength on it, and move around. I felt pretty good for what I was doing today. I’m just looking forward to making some great progress this week, which I expect to do. If all goes well, yes, I will play Sunday. I am glad I was able to go out there today and move around and see where I was at. I think I’m in a great spot.”

What did you expect Robinson to say? Players will always push to play. The Commanders need Robinson on Sunday. They will likely be without Ekeler, who suffered his second concussion of the season at the end of Sunday’s game. Also, the Titans possess one of the NFL’s top defenses.

Commanders give injury updates on Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.

Dan Quinn gives updates on multiple Washington injuries.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn met with the media on Monday, one day after the team’s disappointing 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

If the loss wasn’t bad enough, the Commanders suffered multiple injuries to three of their most important offensive players.

  • RB Austin Ekeler (concussion)
  • RB Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle)
  • RT Andrew Wylie (concussion)

Quinn offered an update all three players.

“Yes, Austin, [I] had a chance to visit with today, and fortunately, last night did all the scans, and that side came back good,” Quinn said. “It certainly was sore, but he will be in the concussion protocol. But man, it was good to see him. Those are scary moments when those concussions like that take place.”

Head injuries are tough to predict. There is no “minor” concussion. And considering this is Ekeler’s second concussion this season, the Commanders will be cautious with him.

Robinson missed three games earlier this season with knee and hamstring injuries. He returned against Philadelphia in Week 11 and rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown. Robinson injured his ankle on his first carry against Dallas. He returned to the field after getting an X-ray, carried the football two more times, and did not return.

Quinn said Robinson “came in for treatment today, ankle injury to go. We’ll see how much work that he does during the week, so I’ll have a better sense for you as we get further along.”

If both can’t go, Jeremy McNichols takes over as Washington’s lead back. He has played well this season when given an opportunity. Also, the Commanders would likely bring back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who they released on Saturday to make room for rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Rodriguez played a pivotal role in Washington’s second win over the Giants a few weeks back.

Wylie is also in the NFL’s concussion protocol. If Wylie can’t go, Trent Scott is his backup, but Washington could move Cornelius Lucas back to right tackle with a healthy Brandon Coleman at left tackle.