Tag: Concussion

Does Commanders’ roster move indicate Zach Ertz will be unavailable vs. Eagles?

The Commanders made a roster move on Tuesday.

The Washington Commanders used their off day to make a roster move. Washington placed second-year running back/wide receiver Kazmeir Allen on injured reserve. Allen is a member of the Commanders’ practice squad.

General manager Adam Peters wasted no time replacing Allen’s spot on the practice squad, signing tight end Tyree Jackson.

Who is Jackson?

The 27-year-old, 6-foot-7, 250-pound Jackson played collegiately at Buffalo and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019. The Bills waived Jackson during final cuts, and he was selected in the XFL draft in October 2019. In 2020, he served as Cardale Jones’ backup for the D.C. Defenders until the league suspended operations.

He signed with the Eagles in 2021 and transitioned to tight end. After two years with the Eagles, he was waived and the Giants signed him to the practice squad.

Jackson has appeared in 16 NFL games, catching three passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.

While Jackson was signed to the practice squad, the Commanders could elevate him to the 53-man roster before Sunday’s game against the Eagles. Why? Starting tight end Zach Ertz suffered a concussion in Sunday’s win over the Saints. That means Ertz will remain in the NFL’s concussion protocol until cleared.

Washington will turn to John Bates and rookie Ben Sinnott if Ertz is out next week. Bates and Sinnott have played a lot this season but haven’t been as involved in the passing game as Ertz.

Packers WR Romeo Doubs, S Evan Williams clear concussion protocol

The Packers will return WR Romeo Doubs and S Evan Williams from concussion protocol for Sunday night’s showdown with the Seahawks.

While the Green Bay Packers won’t have cornerback Jaire Alexander available for Sunday night’s showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, Matt LaFleur’s team is getting back to starters who missed time with head injuries.

LaFleur confirmed that receiver Romeo Doubs and safety Evan Williams cleared concussion protocol and will be available to play on Sunday night.

Doubs, who has 34 catches for 483 yards and two touchdowns this season, missed two games after suffering a concussion in the third quarter of the Packers’ win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 24. He practiced last week but only now passed the final stage of the league’s protocol.

Williams, who suffered his concussion at Ford Field last Thursday night, got extra recovery time with the mini-bye and cleared the protocol in time to play against the Seahawks. He’ll be an expected starter next to Xavier McKinney and an important member of a secondary that won’t have Alexander or rookie defensive back Javon Bullard due to injuries.

The Packers are also expecting to return linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who has missed three straight games with a hamstring injury.

A final injury report will be issued later Friday afternoon.

Darren Rizzi shares update on Derek Carr’s injury

Darren Rizzi gave an update on the injury status of Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr after their win over the New York Giants:

Darren Rizzi gave an update one the status of New Orleans Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr following the injury he suffered in the 14-11 road victory over the New York Giants.

Rizzi said in the postgame press conference that Carr had suffered a left hand injury late in the fourth quarter when he tried to diving for a first down. He also mentioned something even more concerning that some thought could be the case — Carr may be in concussion protocol.

This marks the second time this season New Orleans has lost its starting quarterback, and the last time that happened, it ended with a three-game losing streak before he was able to make his return.

It will be interesting to see what Carr’s status is as the Saints continue the season with a noon CT matchup against the visiting Washington Commanders on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Caesars Superdome.

For now, the team will have to weigh the options of turning once more to an inexperienced Jake Haener or rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, both of whom have had a tough go at it more times than not when asked to step up in Carr’s place.

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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 make the right choice with Austin Ekeler

The Commanders placed Austin Ekeler on IR, which was the right move.

The Washington Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve Saturday. The move means that Ekeler will miss at least the next four games, making him eligible to return for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler suffered a concussion at the end of last week’s loss to Dallas. It was his second concussion of the season, as he suffered one back in Week 3 and missed the following game.

Washington did the right thing, sidelining Ekeler for at least the next five weeks. Remember, the Commanders have a Week 14 bye.

Since Ekeler entered the NFL back in 2017, he has suffered four documented concussions. That doesn’t take into account any concussions he may have had before his NFL career. No concussion is more severe than another. Each time you suffer a concussion, it’s a head injury and should be treated with extreme caution.

So, while the Commanders are in a playoff race and Ekeler is one of their best players, they do right by the player, something that wasn’t always the case before new owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn arrived.

Depending on how Ekeler recovers, he may or may not play again this season.

In the meantime, Washington will try to get it done on offense with running backs Brian Robinson Jr., Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will also be involved in Washington’s running game.

There are usually very few updates on players in the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning it could be a while before there is a definitive update on Ekeler.

Chris Olave ‘in a good place’ after second concussion in 2024

Saints coach Darren Rizzi said this week that Chris Olave is “in a good place” after his second concussion of 2024. But he’s no sure thing to return this season:

Has Chris Olave already caught his last pass with the New Orleans Saints this season? It’s certainly possible. The standout wide receiver suffered two concussions in his first eight games and was put on injured reserve, and there’s currently no timetable for him to return to the field. At least not in pads and a helmet. Olave was spotted at the Saints practice facility this week spectating and dapping up teammates, but he’s not ready to run routes and take on contact.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi shared an update on Olave’s status after practice on Tuesday.

“He’s still going through that whole process. He’s met with a bunch of people, he’s got another meeting coming up here next week. He’s met with some different specialists throughout the country,” Rizzi said, adding that Olave had another specialist visit lined up later this week. “He’s in a good place.”

The soonest Olave could return is Week 15’s home game with the Washington Commanders (which would set him up for a matchup with his former teammate Marshon Lattimore), but that might be overly ambitious. Rizzi emphasized that Olave’s wellbeing, not his availability on the field, is the greater concern here. A rapid series of brain injuries like this can have serious, lifelong implications.

“Him and I the last couple days had great conversations. He’s feeling a lot better. With that kind of injury, you just want to make sure you’re doing the right thing by the person,” Rizzi continued, “We’ll have a lot more information on him next week.”

So we’ll see if Olave returns this year, but it’s clear his coach won’t be rushing him back into action. That’s the right approach. If Olave decides to put his body in harm’s way again, that’s his decision to make. Kudos to Rizzi and the team for recognizing that.

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Chris Olave still consulting specialists to treat his concussion symptoms

Chris Olave has dealt with many concussions in his New Orleans Saints career. His most recent injury has him visiting with specialists:

Chris Olave was seen at practice on Tuesday, but that isn’t necessarily a sign of his return being imminent. By the sounds of things, the New Orleans Saints wide receiver missing the remainder of the season is still a good possibility.

Darren Rizzi shared an update on Olave’s progress: “He’s met with a bunch of people, he’s got another meeting coming up here next week. He’s met with some different specialists throughout the country.”

New Orleans is rightfully being cautious with Olave, who is currently on injured reserve.

Olave suffered a concussion against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. It was his second concussion of the season and fourth of his three-year professional career. The severity may have been the same, but the aftermath of this one looked the worse visually of all his concussions.

Rizzi insists Olave is in a good place. With emphasis being on the person over the player, that’s a positive sign. This upcoming meeting appears to be a big one in understanding what Olave’s immediate future looks like. The Saints will “have a lot more information on him next week.”

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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.

 

Commanders RB Austin Ekeler suffers concussion vs. Cowboys

Commanders RB Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion vs. Cowboys.

The Washington Commanders may have lost more than the game in Sunday’s 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Not only did right tackle Andrew Wylie (concussion) and running back Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) leave the game due to injuries, Washington lost its other top running back, Austin Ekeler, at the end of the game.

Ekeler suffered a brutal hit on the game’s final kickoff with nine seconds remaining. Ekeler lay motionless for a few minutes before getting up and walking off the field under his own power. Both Washington and Dallas players surrounded Ekeler, concerned for his well-being.

After the game, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Ekeler suffered a concussion.

“[GM Adam [Peters] and I just had a chance to visit with him now, so he’ll do more tests tonight, but it was a concussion,” Quinn said. 

This would be Ekeler’s second concussion of the season. He suffered the first one in Washington’s Week 3 win at Cincinnati and missed the following week’s win at Arizona.

The Commanders released running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. after activating rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste from IT. Washington hopes to get Rodriguez back, but another team could claim the talented second-year back.

Washington could be without Robinson and Ekeler next week against Tennessee, so there will be another move at running back. Jeremy McNichols would step back into the starting role. McNichols has thrived when given opportunities this season.

Chris Olave officially placed on Saints injured reserve

Chris Olave has officially placed on the New Orleans Saints injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games:

The New Orleans Saints are placing Chris Olave on injured reserve. This doesn’t necessarily end his season, but it does guarantee he will be out for at least the next four games.

The Saints have a bye week coming soon, so it’s important to note Olave has to miss four games, not four weeks. He won’t be eligible to return until Week 15 against the Washington Commanders if he returns at all.

Darren Rizzi has spoken about prioritizing Olave the person over the player. That’s an important and correct stance when it comes to concussions. Placing him on injured reserve keeps him from trying to rush back to the field. There should be legitimate conversations on whether it is worth it to come back for Olave long term.

Olave has suffered four concussions in his professional career, including two this year very close to each other. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Olave miss the remainder of the season.