The Washington Commanders are now on a three-game losing streak after an embarrassing loss to the woeful Dallas Cowboys, the Commanders’ NFC East division rival. To add injury to insult, the Commanders’ top two running backs, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr., exited the game with concerning injuries.
Robinson got injured after his ankle was trapped as he got tackled on Washington’s first offensive play. Meanwhile, Ekeler got concussed on the game’s final kickoff. Now, the Commanders must monitor both running backs as the team tries to regroup.
Robinson briefly returned to the game after being evaluated for an ankle injury but exited for good. He finished the game with five carries for 13 yards.
Meanwhile, Ekeler took a devastating hit to the head near the end of Sunday’s loss from Cowboys linebacker Damon Clark during a kickoff return with 14 seconds remaining. Ekeler fell instantly to the turf, head-first.
Teammates immediately waved toward Washington’s sideline as Ekeler lay on the ground motionless.
Players from both teams kneeled as trainers rushed to the field to attend to Ekeler. The scene was injury to insult for the Commanders’ dreadful loss to the Cowboys.
Moments earlier, the Commanders scored an improbable touchdown with no timeouts. Quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown that cut Washington’s deficit to 27-26. Unfortunately, kicker Austin Seibert missed the potential game-tying extra point with 21 seconds.
Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas returned an ensuing offside kick for a 43-yard touchdown that seemingly iced the game and led to the kickoff that Ekeler got injured.
Fortunately, Ekeler got to his feet and walked off the field. According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, out of an abundance of caution, Ekeler got transported to the hospital.
Commanders may have to look for other options next week
Quinn spoke with Ekeler Tuesday, per John Keim of ESPN. Tests on Sunday came back “good,” yet the 29-year-old will be in the concussion protocol.
Ekeler has now been diagnosed with his second concussion of the season. He missed a Week 4 game due to a concussion and lacerated ear on a big collision in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Robinson will receive treatment, and his ankle will get re-evaluated later in the week.
If Ekeler won’t be cleared from the concussion protocol, Washington may have to dig deep into the running back depth chart. Ekeler has 701 yards from scrimmage and four rushing touchdowns on 107 touches. He also averages 30.8 yards per kickoff return with 594 return yards.
Robinson has rushed for 537 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Washington has Jeremy McNichols behind Robinson and Ekeler. The Commanders cut 2023 sixth-round pick Chris Rodriguez on Sunday. Rodriguez expects to get re-signed to the practice squad.
McNichols is a seven-year veteran. He already has a career-high 217 rushing yards and four touchdowns despite being third on the depth chart. McNichols has flashed in every instance his number has been called this season. Still, Washington has to look beyond for depth if their two primary backs are out at the same time.
The Commanders (7-5) are reeling after three consecutive losses. Issues have emerged on the offense, and not having a viable running back hampers an already struggling passing game.
