Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler was forced out of Thursday night’s game after sustaining a non-contact Achilles injury in the final minutes of his team’s 27–18 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The veteran back went down while running a route on third-and-long, planting his foot before suddenly collapsing to the turf. Trainers rushed to his aid, and he was eventually helped off the field without putting weight on his left leg.
The injury occurred with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter, immediately raising concerns given the non-contact nature of the play and Ekeler’s reaction. Washington quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, and he is scheduled to undergo further medical evaluation to determine the severity. Achilles injuries are often serious and can sideline players for extended stretches, sometimes an entire season, depending on the extent of the damage.
Before leaving the game, Ekeler recorded eight carries for 17 yards and added two receptions for seven yards. Although his production was limited against a tough Green Bay defense, his role as a versatile backfield option has been critical for the Commanders. Last season, Ekeler served as a reliable third-down weapon, contributing both in the run game and as a pass catcher, where he totaled more than 700 yards from scrimmage.
The Commanders now face the possibility of moving forward without one of their most experienced offensive playmakers. If tests confirm a significant Achilles injury, Washington would need to lean on its remaining backs and potentially explore external options to fill the void. For a team already dealing with multiple injuries, Ekeler’s setback could create ripple effects across both the offense and special teams in the weeks to come.
