Commanders Veteran RB Austin Ekeler to Miss Rest of the Season with an Injury

The emergence of seventh-round rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been an unexpected and significant boost to the Washington Commanders' offense this season. Croskey-Merritt has quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, demonstrating exceptional vision and agility on the field. Many have begun to regard him as a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year. This recognition not only highlights his individual talent but also signals a promising future for the Commanders' backfield. With the recent devastating injury to fellow running back Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt's role within the offense has escalated in importance, making his continued performance crucial for Washington's success moving forward.

Austin Ekeler suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Ekeler exited the Commanders' 27-18 loss to Green Bay in the fourth quarter on Thursday night, leaving the team without their primary back during a critical part of the campaign. His injury occurred with just 5:50 remaining in the game after he ran a route but suddenly fell to the ground without any contact.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram on Saturday, Ekeler expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support: “Thank you all for the love and well wishes. I appreciate you all.” His absence poses a serious challenge for Washington's offense, as Ekeler has been instrumental not only as the leading rusher—despite the Commanders lacking a single dominant running back—but also as a key contributor on third downs and in various offensive packages. His versatility in both rushing and receiving has made him a multifaceted threat that defenses have had to game-plan for.

Last season, Ekeler rushed for 367 yards and added 366 yards receiving, consistently demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. Beyond his on-field production, Head Coach Dan Quinn frequently emphasized Ekeler's leadership within the running back room and his broader influence on the offensive unit. His presence in the locker room and on the sideline has been an invaluable asset for team cohesion and morale.

With Ekeler's season-ending injury, the Commanders were forced to urgently bolster their running back depth. In response, Washington took the pragmatic step of signing Chase Edmonds, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back, to their practice squad. Edmonds' addition is a strategic move aimed at rebuilding the backfield’s depth and bringing in experience to support Croskey-Merritt and the rest of the running backs. As the Commanders navigate this challenging period, the combination of Croskey-Merritt's promising talent and Edmonds' veteran presence could help stabilize the offense and keep their playoff aspirations alive.