Austin Ekeler Injury Update: A Nightmare Night for Washington
Right now, the mood in Washington is grim, Austin Ekeler suffered what looks like a devastating Achilles injury late in Thursday night’s loss to the Packers, and if you’re a Commanders fan, fantasy player, or just rooting for Ekeler to make a comeback, the whole thing leaves a pit in your stomach.
On X, @bdubsports_ expressed concern for Austin Ekeler, following an unfortunate injury. The tweet revealed that Ekeler appeared to suffer a popped Achilles, and despite his efforts to get back up, he was unable to continue. The post highlighted Ekeler's reputation as one of the hardest-working players in the NFL.
Non-contact injuries are always nerve-wracking; when Ekeler went down on a seemingly routine cut and couldn’t get back up, you could almost hear the collective sigh from the crowd, especially after such a messy game.
The sideline looked worried, trainers rushing out, Ekeler unable to put weight on his right leg, it was one of those moments where everyone just knows, this is bad.
What Happened to Austin Ekeler?
Ekeler was running a pass route in the fourth quarter, the Commanders trailing and grasping for any sort of rhythm. Then out of nowhere, the kind of “out of nowhere” that makes sports fans nervous, he dropped to the turf, grabbed the back of his right leg, and couldn’t stand.
On X, @HateradeCon, a parody account, shared a brief update on Austin Ekeler’s injury, expressing concern and suggesting that the running back may have torn his Achilles. The tweet called for prayers for Ekeler in light of the situation.
On X, @NFL_DovKleiman shared an update on Austin Ekeler’s injury, describing it as a non-contact incident. The tweet expressed concern, suggesting that it appears to be a torn Achilles, and called for prayers for the player.
Not dramatic, not showboating, just pure pain and frustration. Trainers immediately attended, and honestly, from the look on his face, Ekeler understood exactly what was going on.
The Commanders’ staff carted him off to the locker room; within minutes, word spread that it was likely an Achilles injury.
I remember watching a similar scene years ago when Richard Sherman went down, same awkward collapse, same hush over the stadium.
With Ekeler, who’s had a stack of bumps along the way (thigh, ankle, concussion), you get the sense that toughness isn’t his problem, but the human body only takes so much.
Thursday’s game was brutal for Washington beyond just the final score (27-18, Packers win) and Ekeler’s exit. The offense sputtered and, already missing defenders, seemed completely out of sorts.
Ekeler finished with only 17 yards on eight carries and a quiet 7 yards receiving. Suddenly, the Commanders’ backfield looks paper-thin, especially after the Brian Robinson Jr. trade. Rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt (how great is that nickname?) and Jeremy McNichols are next in line, but it’s tough shoes to fill.
When Will Austin Ekeler Return?
Here’s the tough love: Achilles tears are career-shaking injuries for any player, especially for running backs who rely on every ounce of explosiveness.
Best-case scenario for return? Nine to twelve months if it’s a complete tear, which, by all accounts so far, seems likely. Rehab starts with immobilization (casts or boots for 6-8 weeks), then a long grind of physical therapy and conditioning for 4-6 months.
Some NFL players have come back as early as six months, pushing the limits, but it’s risky, and re-injury is a real threat.
Anecdotally, I’ve watched friends train for big marathon comebacks after Achilles tears. No two recoveries were alike; some cruised, some limped, all had moments of doubt.
For Ekeler, who’s 30 and coming off a string of injuries, you have to think the Commanders will take every precaution.
