Tag: Austin Ekeler

Commanders will be without two key players in Week 5

The Commanders received good news about their RBs, but two key players are out.

During his Friday press conference, head coach Dan Quinn revealed some positive news about the Washington Commanders’ injury situation. Running back Austin Ekeler had cleared concussion protocol and would return for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Also, starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. was “trending in the right way” for Week 5 after missing two days of practice with a knee injury.

Unfortunately, the Commanders will be without two key contributors.

Starting defensive end Clelin Ferrell will miss a third consecutive game with a knee injury. Ferrell had a sack in each of Washington’s first two games.

Ferrell appears close to a return and Quinn doesn’t believe he’ll need a stint on the reserve/injured list.

“There’s none, and he’s doing well man, and just the fact we’re always going to just do the best we can for these guys, and then they can absolutely do their thing at full speed,” Quinn said. “It was awesome to have him back here at practice and, so he is definitely trending in the right space, but just not quite there just yet. But he really had a good week.”

Wide receiver Noah Brown, who signed late in the summer, will also be out for Sunday. Brown has been excellent for the Commanders, catching nine passes for 111 yards in his three games and been outstanding as a blocker.

“Yeah, and we’re bummed that Noah won’t make it in for this week because he’s added a lot to our team,” Quinn said of Brown. “We’ll miss Noah for sure, man. He not only is on the pass game, but the run game, the size, he’s really made his impact so far.”

Brown’s absence could mean more opportunities for Dyami Brown and Luke McCaffrey.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. ‘trending’ toward playing in Week 5

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. is “trending” toward playing in Week 5.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. missed the first two practices of the week with a knee injury as the Washington Commanders prepared for their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns. It led to some concern that the team’s leading rusher would miss Sunday’s game.

Zach Selby of commanders.com reported that Robinson was at Friday’s practice stretching with his teammates and had his helmet on. Head coach Dan Quinn met with reporters after practice and gave an update on Robinson.

“Brian is trending in the right way, and we’ll take it all the way to game day, but he’s doing great,” Quinn said.

How will Robinson be listed on Washington’s final injury report that comes Friday afternoon?

“Yeah, [VP of Football Communications] Sean [DeBarbieri] can follow up with you right when we’re done,” Quinn told reporters. 

Robinson himself seemed to indicate he was good to go for Sunday:

In more good news for the Commanders, running back Austin Ekeler officially cleared concussion protocol and will play Sunday.

Commanders vs. Browns: 3 reasons for optimism

Here are three reasons for optimism as the Commanders host the Browns in Week 5.

The Washington Commanders host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and look to extend, or at least hold on to, their status at the top of the NFC East. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led this team to a 3-1 record and has displayed poise and confidence typically reserved for veteran players.

The Browns are, well, the Browns. They’re 1-3 this season with Deshaun Watson under center and hope to get star running back Nick Chubb back from a knee injury sooner than later.

While it seems the Commanders should have things well in hand, there’s always that little seed of doubt that creeps in, so let’s peek at three reasons for optimism heading into this Week 5 matchup.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Jayden Daniels is the quarterback

This may be pointing out the snake that bites you, but seriously, Jayden Daniels’ ability to lead this team and perform consistently at this level has been unmatched. He acclimated to this league like he knew what to expect and was prepared to make the necessary changes.

All of that work is paying off now, as he’s leading a team that hasn’t had a winning season in eight years. The Commanders need one more win to tie the number of wins they had in all of 2023, and it’s likely they will earn that against Cleveland on Sunday.

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Austin Ekeler returned to practice

After spending the previous seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Austin Ekeler joined the Commanders as a free agent this year. A dynamic back, his addition was a huge improvement to the Commanders’ offense. Unfortunately, Ekeler suffered a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals team in Week 3. He missed the outing against the Arizona Cardinals last week but returned to practice on Thursday.

Returning to practice is a good indication that Ekeler is ready to return, especially since he practiced in full. When he returns to the field, opposing teams will be hard-pressed to stop the Ekeler/Daniels combination.

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett has an injury

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is by far the biggest threat the Browns’ defense has to offer. He is notorious for being everywhere on the field, causing chaos, sacking quarterbacks, and stopping the run. However, Garrett is hampered by an Achilles’ injury, which bodes well for the Commanders’ offense.

Now, no one wants to see a player get hurt, this is their livelihood. But if he doesn’t play, the Commanders’ offense will have more luck getting down the field. Even if he does play, the injury could slow him down enough to lessen his impact.

Commanders injury report: No Brian Robinson Jr., but Ekeler full participant

Two players out Thursday, including Brian Robinson. Four Browns miss practice.

On Thursday, the Washington Commanders continued preparing for the Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns without a key member of the offense.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. missed his second consecutive practice with a knee injury. It’s not yet a cause for concern because Robinson could practice on Friday. Through four games this season, Robinson leads the Commanders with 307 rushing yards (4.7 YPC).

While Robinson missed practice, Austin Ekeler was back. Ekeler said on Wednesday his final test would be Thursday in pads. As a full participant, Ekeler appears ready for Sunday. He suffered a concussion in Week 3 and missed last week’s game.

Here’s the full Thursday injury report for the Commanders and the Browns:

Did not participate: RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee), WR Noah Brown (groin)

Limited participants: S Percy Butler (groin), G Nick Allegretti (ankle), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), S Tyler Owens (shin)

Full participant: CB Emmanuel Forbes (thumb), S Quan Martin (shoulder), LB Jordan Magee (knee), DL Efe Obada (tibia, fibula), QB Marcus Mariota (pectoral), RB Austin Ekeler (concussion), DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot), LB Dominique Hampton (illness)

Here is Cleveland’s Wednesday injury report:

Did not participate: LB Jordan Hicks (ribs, elbow, triceps), DE Alex Wright (triceps), OT James Hudson (shoulder), TE David Njoku (ankle)

Limited participants: DE Myles Garrett (Achilles), OT Jack Conklin (hamstring), OT Jedrick Wills (knee), RB Nick Chubb (knee), G Michael Dunn (illness), RB Nyheim Hines (knee), , OT Dawand Jones (knee), , RB Pierre Strong (hamstring), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness), C Ethan Pocic (ankle)

Full participant: WR Jerry Jeudy (knee), LB Jeremiah Owosu-Koramoah, CB Greg Newsome (NIR/personal)

Commanders injury news: Brian Robinson Jr. misses 2nd straight practice

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. misses second straight practice, but there is good news on Austin Ekeler.

The Washington Commanders could be without one of their top two running backs for the second consecutive week. After Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the Monday night Week 3 win over the Bengals, he missed last week’s game in Arizona.

Now, Brian Robinson Jr., who already has two 100-yard games this season, missed Thursday’s practice with a knee injury. Robinson also missed Wednesday’s practice. The Commanders host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

In positive news, Ekeler practiced for the second straight day, but this time, he was a full participant after clearing the concussion protocol. Barring any setbacks, Ekeler will play on Sunday.

Robinson has 307 rushing yards through four games, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, with three touchdowns.

Ekeler has rushed for 83 yards on 13 attempts, with one touchdown. He has caught nine passes for 121 yards. The veteran running back has also made a big impact as a kick returner.

If Robinson can’t go on Sunday, Jeremy McNichols would likely be the next man up again. Last week, McNichols carried the ball eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in Ekeler’s absence.

 

Commanders injury report: Several players did not practice

A long injury list for the Commanders and Browns to kick off the week.

The first injury report of the week is out for Sunday’s game between the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns, and it’s lengthy.

Before we jump into the complete injury report, there was some positive news for Washington Wednesday, as running back Austin Ekeler returned to practice on a limited basis. Ekeler told reporters afterward that he had to clear one more hurdle before he’s cleared for a Week 5 return.

Now, for the injury report: We told you it was a long one — for both teams:

Did not participate: G Nick Allegretti (ankle), TE Zach Ertz (NIR/rest), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee), LB Dominique Hampton (illness), S Tyler Owens (shin), RB Brian Robinson Jr. (knee)

Limited participants: WR Noah Brown (groin), S Percy Butler (groin), RB Austin Ekeler (concussion), DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot)

Full participant: CB Emmanuel Forbes (thumb), S Quan Martin (shoulder), LB Jordan Magee (knee), DL Efe Obada (tibia, fibula), QB Marcus Mariota (pectoral)

Here is Cleveland’s Wednesday injury report:

Did not participate: OT Jack Conklin (hamstring), DE Myles Garrett (Achilles), LB Jordan Hicks (ribs, elbow, triceps), CB Greg Newsome (NIR/personal), DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness), C Ethan Pocic (ankle), OT Jedrick Wills (knee), DE Alex Wright (triceps)

Limited participants: RB Nick Chubb (knee), G Michael Dunn (illness), RB Nyheim Hines (knee), OT James Hudson (shoulder), OT Dawand Jones (knee), TE David Njoku (ankle), RB Pierre Strong (hamstring)

Full participant: CB Martin Emerson (concussion protocol), WR Jerry Jeudy (knee), LB Jeremiah Owosu-Koramoah

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.

Commanders RB Austin Ekeler gives an injury update ahead of Week 5

Austin Ekeler gives an injury update.

Outside of quarterback Jayden Daniels, you could argue that running back Austin Ekeler was the Washington Commanders’ MVP through the first three weeks.

Ekeler made his presence felt as a runner, receiver, blocker and kick returner before suffering a concussion in last week’s win at Cincinnati. The Commanders immediately flew to Arizona to prepare for Week 4, while Ekeler came home to Virginia as a part of the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Washington ruled Ekeler out early last week.

In his absence, veteran Jeremy McNichols played as the Commanders’ change of pace to Brian Robinson Jr. Both played well. Robinson rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, while McNichols had 68 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

However, Washington can’t wait to get Ekeler back. When will that be?

Ekeler joined “Grant and Danny” of 106.7 The Fan on Tuesday and said he’s on track to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

“I’m continuing to complete the processes of concussion protocol and working my way through, but I’m feeling like myself, more with it today, so that’s all a good sign to hopefully getting back this week,” Ekeler said Tuesday via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“Tracking towards being able to play, and that’s a good sign, especially when you’re talking about your head. You want to make sure everything is how it’s supposed to be; it’s not like an ankle where you can put some tape on it, this is my brain I’m talking about, so I wanna make sure everything is feeling and reacting normal and is where it’s supposed to be, and things are definitely trending in that direction.”

NFL expert picks: Commanders remain heavy underdogs

It’s surprising to see so many picks in favor of Arizona.

When the betting lines opened for Week 4 last week, the Arizona Cardinals opened as favorites over the Washington Commanders. However, when the Commanders upset the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Cardinals remained the favorite, but those lines narrowed.

Arizona remains the favorite over Washington on Sunday, as the Commanders will be without the services of one of their best offensive players. Running back Austin Ekeler will miss the game as he’s in concussion protocol. Ekeler was injured in the third quarter of Monday’s win at Cincinnati.

The Cardinals will also be without a key offensive starter, tight end Trey McBride, who is also in concussion protocol.

The good news for Washington is that rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is healthy and will be under center. Daniels was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the win over the Bengals. He was also named Rookie of the Week for the second time in three weeks.

So, while oddsmakers favor the Cardinals, who do the experts pick?

According to NFL Pickwatch, 76% of this week’s picks favor the Cardinals. Considering last week’s results, seeing so many pick Arizona is a bit surprising. Washington is probably happy about that since nearly 100% of the so-called experts picked the Bengals last week.

Commanders make roster moves ahead of Week 4

Commanders make some moves ahead of Week 4.

The Washington Commanders made a pair of roster moves on Saturday ahead of their Week 4 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

Washington elevated defensive end Andre Jones Jr. and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the practice squad. The moves reflect running back Austin Ekeler and defensive end Clelin Ferrell’s absences for Sunday’s game.

This is the second time the Commanders have elevated Jones. He played nine snaps in last week’s win over Cincinnati, registering one tackle. As a rookie last season, Jones appeared in 14 games.

Rodriguez, like Jones, was one of Washington’s 2023 draft picks. This will be Rodriguez’s first action of the season, as he will backup Brian Robinson Jr. and Jeremy McNichols.

Rodriguez played in 13 games as a rookie, carrying the football 51 times for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

The Commanders enter Sunday’s game on a two-game winning streak after shocking the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.