Coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday that running back Austin Ekeler of the Washington Commanders will not play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday due to a concussion.
Ekeler departed the 38-33 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night during the third quarter, and his injury ultimately prevented him from playing. Before leaving, he totaled 57 yards from scrimmage.
After playing with the Los Angeles Chargers for seven seasons, the 29-year-old back is in his debut season with the Commanders. Along with Brian Robinson Jr., he has formed a strong backfield duo, with 121 receiving yards and 83 rushing yards thus far this season.
This is a real setback for Washington’s offensive strategy. For the first two weeks and a significant portion of Monday’s first half, the running back duo of Ekeler and Robinson carried the offense.
Ekeler, the more sly of the two, responded to inquiries in the off-season on his NFL prospects after finishing the season with the Chargers with a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. With the Commanders so far, he’s been cunning and strong, averaging 6.4 yards per rush attempt and catching nine passes on nine targets for 121 yards. Ekeler started the second half with a 62-yard kick return after scoring a 24-yard rushing touchdown against Cincinnati, but he was injured on the following play.
After the game, Ekeler left for Virginia, and the squad traveled to Phoenix in preparation for Sunday’s matchup with the Cardinals. Quinn did not provide a timetable for recovery.
In place of Ekeler, veteran Jeremy McNichols made a crucial block on Jayden Daniels’ last touchdown pass. Chris Rodriguez, a second-year running back, or rookie Michael Wiley will probably be promoted from the practice squad in favor of a more offensive option.
In their first year under Quinn, the Commanders have a 2-1 record this season.
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