Tag: Austin Ekeler

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.

Who will handle return duties for Commanders vs. Cardinals?

Who will handle return duties in Week 4 with Ekeler and Crowder out?

The Commanders are in a possibly tough spot Sunday against the Cardinals.

Austin Ekeler and Jamison Crowder were both ruled out this week by Commanders’ Head Coach Dan Quinn. Crowder was the primary punt returner for the 2023 team, while Ekeler has been the leading kickoff returner in 2024.

Even more, Ekeler returned the opening kickoff against the Giants in Week 2 for a touchdown; however, it was called back due to a penalty. Proving it wasn’t luck, in Week 3, Ekeler took the second-half opening kickoff 62 yards.

https://Twitter.com/Ihartitz/status/1835762570126385258

With Ekeler and Crowder unavailable for Sunday, who will return the punts and kicks? Friday, when Quinn was asked about this by the press, here is how the head coach responded.

“Yes, (WR) Olamide (Zacchaeus) will be one. (WR) Luke’s (McCaffrey) been getting back there. On the kick return side, we’ve certainly worked with J-Mic (Jeremy McNichols), Noah’s (Igbinoghene) done that. So in that way, we are not going to replace Austin (Ekeler).”

Quinn then summed up this issue with his philosophy during the long, hot days of training camp and preseason.

“However, when you do have a big, deep crew, you do work a lot of guys. When these situations come up, you need to be ready for it. So through practices and preseason games, gaining that experience is really important.”

Commanders vs. Cardinals: 3 causes for concern in Week 4

We preview three causes for concern for the Commanders in Week 4.

What must the Washington Commanders (2-1) do to beat the Arizona Cardinals (1-2) in Week 4?

The Commanders are on the road for the third time in four weeks Sunday, facing an Arizona team that lost close games to Super Bowl contenders Buffalo and Detroit and scored 41 points in a blowout win over the Rams.

These teams met in Week 1 last season, but both look drastically different now. That was the first game for Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon while Ron Rivera roamed Washington’s sidelines in a lost season. The quarterbacks that day were Joshua Dobbs (Cardinals) and Sam Howell (Commanders).

Sunday’s game will feature a battle of former Heisman Trophy winners. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will face off against Kyler Murray. Both quarterbacks are off to fantastic starts in 2024.

We gave you three reasons why the Commanders should be optimistic about Week 4. Now, we give you three causes for concern:

Kyler Murray

Washington’s defense can’t stop anyone. The Commanders aren’t particularly good at any one thing. They can’t stop the run, pass, force turnovers, or sack opposing quarterbacks. Now, Washington faces one of the NFL’s best dual-threat quarterbacks.

Murray is off to arguably the best start of his six-year NFL career. The Commanders should be extremely concerned because Arizona has proven it can run the ball or beat you in the passing game with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. If Washington can’t stop the run or the pass, how would you expect them to defend Murray?

The Commanders defense may gain some insight from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was Murray’s coach for four seasons. But that knowledge means nothing if you can’t finish plays.

No Austin Ekeler

If you could name a Washington MVP through three weeks, it would be Daniels, and it’s not particularly close.  But if there is a runner-up, it would be Ekeler. The veteran running back has been outstanding in his role since coming over. He’s made plays in the running game, passing game, and on special teams in each game. However, due to a concussion, Ekeler will not play on Sunday.

This is a big loss for Washington. No one offers a skillset like Ekeler’s. Fortunately, Brian Robinson Jr. is healthy and is off to a strong start. Robinson is underrated as a receiver and could see more work coming out of the backfield against Arizona.

Monday night hangover

Not only did the Commanders play on Monday night, they are coming off an emotional and thrilling 38-33 upset victory. Then, you add that Washington is coming across the country on a short week; there are reasons to be concerned. The good news is that the Commanders flew to Arizona on Monday night and have resumed their typical work week at Arizona State University.

Head coach Dan Quinn is aware of that hangover and has done his best to ensure his team enjoyed last week’s win, but quickly turned their focus to Arizona.

Commanders injury report: Sam Cosmi back at practice

Three miss Thursday’s practice for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders completed their second practice of the week on Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Washington flew to Arizona directly after Monday night’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It is practicing at Arizona State University in Tempe, which is less than 30 miles from the Cardinals’ stadium in Glendale.

After four players missed Wednesday’s practice, one returned on Thursday. Right guard Sam Cosmi is dealing with an Achilles injury and practiced on a limited basis. He told reporters he was good to go for Sunday.

The Commanders already ruled out running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee). Neither made the trip to Arizona.

Here is Washington’s full injury report from Thursday:

Did not participate: WR Jamison Crowder (calf), RB Austin Ekeler (concussion/ruled out), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee/ruled out)

Limited participants: G Sam Cosmi (Achilles),  CB Benjamin St-Juste (chest)

Full participant: CB Emmanuel Forbes (thumb), DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot), S Quan Martin (elbow)

Meanwhile, for the Cardinals, tight end Trey McBridge (concussion) and defensive tackle DT Khyiris Tonga (knee) missed practice again. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) remained limited, while safety Budda Baker was a full participant.

Commanders injury report: Two already ruled out for Week 4

The first injury report of the week is here and the Commanders already rule out two for Sunday.

It is a unique week for the Washington Commanders. After defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Commanders immediately boarded a flight for Arizona, where they’ll spend the week preparing for their Week 4 opponent, the Arizona Cardinals.

Head coach Dan Quinn revealed Tuesday that running back Austin Ekeler didn’t accompany the team on their flight West after suffering a concussion in the third quarter of Monday’s win. When Quinn met with the media on Wednesday, he ruled Ekeler out for Sunday, which was not a surprise.

Ekeler isn’t Washington’s only player out for Sunday. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who missed Monday’s game with a knee injury, was also ruled out. Like Ekeler, Ferrell didn’t make the trip to Arizona with the team and will have an extra week to rehabilitate his knee injury.

Here’s the full injury report for Wednesday:

Did not participate: G Sam Cosmi (Achilles), WR Jamison Crowder (NIR/rest), RB Austin Ekeler (concussion/ruled out), TE Zach Ertz (NIR/rest), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee/ruled out)

Limited participants: S Quan Martin (elbow), CB Benjamin St-Juste (chest)

Full participant: CB Emmanuel Forbes (thumb), DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot)

Two players missed practice for the Cardinals: TE Trey McBride (concussion) and DT Khyiris Tonga (knee). Several players were limited, including star safety Budda Baker (quadriceps) and first-round pick WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps).

Commanders Week 4 injury report: RB Austin Ekeler ruled out

The details for the Commanders’ first injury report of the week as they prepare for the Cardinals.

This story was updated to add new information. 

The Washington Commanders’ Wednesday injury report leading to Sunday’s game Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals was distributed from Arizona where the team is practicing during a short week after Monday night’s game in Cincinnati.

Running back Austin Ekeler, who did not practice after suffering a concussion in the game, has already been declared out by head coach Dan Quinn.

The full details are below.

Washington Commanders Week 4 Wednesday injury report

Did not participate

G Sam Cosmi (Achilles)

WR Jamison Crowder (calf/rest)

RB Austin Ekeler (concussion)

TE Zach Ertz (not injury related/rest)

DE Clelin Ferrell (knee)

Quinn said the short week makes the decision on Ekeler the most prudent one and added, “We’ll have a chance to see what next week looks like then.” In Monday night’s win over the Bengals, Ekeler played only 13 snaps, but rushed three times for 35 yards with a 24-yard touchdown, caught two passes for 22 yards and had a 62-yard kickoff return.

Cosmi played all 59 snaps at right guard against the Bengals, while Ferrell was inactive. Ferrell did not travel with the team and has been ruled out of the game like Ekeler.

Limited participation

S Quan Martin (elbow)

CB Benjamin St-Juste (chest)

St-Juste played all 62 snaps Monday night and had six tackles (four solo), while Martin played 60 snaps and also had six tackles (two solo).

Full participation

CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (thumb)

DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot)

Newton played 21 snaps (34 percent) Monday night and had four tackles (two solo). Forbes was inactive.

Arizona Cardinals Week 4 Wednesday injury report

Did not participate

  • TE Trey McBride (concussion)
  • DL Khyiris Tonga (knee)

Limited participation

  • S Budda Baker (quadriceps)
  • T Kelvin Beachum (hamstring)
  • LB Dennis Gardeck (finger)
  • WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps)
  • DL Dante Stills (shoulder)

The article was updated to add injury information given about Crowder and Ferrell after the injury report came out

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Commanders injury news: Austin Ekeler ruled out for Week 4

The Commanders will be without Austin Ekeler in Week 4.

Instead of waiting to see if running back Austin Ekeler clears concussion protocol, the Washington Commanders are playing it safe with the veteran. During his Wednesday press conference, head coach Dan Quinn ruled Ekeler out for the Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Ekeler was injured in the third quarter of Washington’s Monday night win over Cincinnati. He was checked for a concussion and ruled out. Quinn later revealed that Ekeler was also dealing with an ear laceration.

Immediately after Monday’s game, the team flew to Arizona to begin preparations for the Cardinals on a short week. Instead of flying with the team, Ekeler returned to Virginia to begin concussion protocol.

“Yeah, Austin had a concussion and also a laceration on his ear,” Quinn said Tuesday. “So, he went back to Virginia today to begin the concussion protocol. I’ll have more info as it goes toward the end of the week. Instead of coming out here to Arizona, he went back home to Virginia to begin that process.”

With Ekeler out, the Commanders will turn to veteran Jeremy McNichols behind Brian Robinson Jr. Michael Wiley or Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be elevated from the practice squad to give Washington a third running back.

Ekeler has been a significant part of Washington’s offense through three games. He’s also returned a kickoff for a touchdown, although it was called back, and returned another 62 yards.