Austin Ekeler Suffers Potential Achilles Tear, Commanders Face Backfield Uncertainty
Washington D.C. – Washington Commanders running back austin Ekeler is feared to have torn his right Achilles tendon during Thursday night’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. the team is awaiting the results of further testing to confirm the severity of the injury.
The 30-year-old veteran sustained the non-contact injury in the fourth quarter, immediately signaling for assistance and being helped off the field unable to put weight on his leg.
ekeler, in his second season with Washington and ninth in the NFL, has been a key component of the Commanders’ offense, particularly as a receiving threat out of the backfield for quarterback Jayden Daniels. He has 43 rushing yards on 14 carries and 38 receiving yards on five catches through the first two games of the season. Last year, Ekeler contributed substantially with 367 rushing yards and 366 receiving yards.
This potential loss comes after the Commanders traded Brian Robinson Jr.to the San Francisco 49ers prior to the season, thrusting Ekeler into the starting role. rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round draft pick, is now likely to assume a larger role in the backfield.Croskey-Merritt impressed in Week 1 against the New York Giants,rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown,but had a quieter performance against the Packers with 17 yards on four carries.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn indicated that updates on Ekeler’s injury, along with those of defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., wide receiver Noah Brown, and tight end John Bates, will be provided next week.
An achilles tendon tear would likely end Ekeler’s season and present a notable challenge for the Commanders’ offense moving forward.
Keywords: austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders, NFL, Injury, Achilles Tendon, Jayden daniels, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Green Bay Packers, NFL News, Football.
