Austin Ekeler suffered a significant concussion following a ferocious hit against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran running back was laid out cold on a kick return. Judging by his recent admissions, the Washington Commanders could be without his services for the rest of 2024.
Player health is more important than anything else. The way Ekeler went down instantly and the immediate concern from players suggested this wasn't going to be a quick route out of the NFL's concussion protocol. The Commanders did the right thing by placing the dual-threat weapon on injured reserve.
Ekeler lifted the lid on the moment and what came after during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan. The former undrafted free agent out of Colorado State was brutally honest, eager to highlight the severity of the situation after suffering complete memory loss at one stage.
"Definitely went through it there for a little bit, just with the concussion symptoms and trying to just get through the fogginess feeling, but definitely trending in the right direction. Now just still dealing with some repercussions of the hit, but trending in the right direction. I think it’s important to kind of diagnose the magnitude of the situation – like, I didn’t even remember how I got off the field. I remember kind of coming to, but I had some short-term memory loss, and all I remember was my wife was sitting in the room, and I was getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room."
- Austin Ekeler
This is the second concussion Ekeler's suffered this season. He's still dealing with neck issues and symptoms. While the player stated things are progressing effectively, the Commanders need to take the decision out of his hands.
Commanders should shut down Austin Ekeler for the 2024 season
Ekeler also lauded the support shown by everyone within the Commanders. That said, there is a newfound sense of hesitancy about what the future might hold after taking some severe punishment throughout the campaign in a reduced role compared to what he took on with the Los Angeles Chargers.
"It's week to week. I want to continue to learn more. It's my second concussion (this season). Am I more susceptible to a third now that I've had two and the severity of mine? It's a learning process for me because I've never had anything this bad and twice in the same season. … The best thing about is the team has my back … I really appreciate DQ (Dan Quinn) and Adam Peters for being there."
- Austin Ekeler
There's just no telling what a third concussion would do to Ekeler's football career and comfortability in later life at this juncture. Taking every possible precaution is crucial, especially considering the hits he takes as a running back and primary pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Ekeler is a competitive guy who wants to help Washington reach and make some noise in the postseason. The Commanders must handle this situation with care. If that means saving the player from himself, it's a small price to pay.
The backfield weapon is eligible to return in Week 17 with Washington on its bye right now. Ekeler and the medical staff should have a better lay of the land by this point. If there isn't 100 percent conviction, it's not worth the risk.
Washington's offense has enough to cope without Ekeler in the short term. Brian Robinson Jr. is the No. 1 running back capable of shouldering a heavy workload. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are nice complimentary pieces who both performed well in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans.
This takes the pressure off regarding Ekeler's status. It's a step-by-step process. The fact he's still feeling the effects of such a devastating collision doesn't bode well for his chances of seeing the field again this season.
The Commanders will give Ekeler a shot to prove himself, especially if they make the postseason. Taking stock, recuperating, and getting ready for next season is the smarter course of action.
