Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has been on injured reserve since the end of November, but he has a chance to play again before the end of the season.
Head coach Dan Quinn said on Tuesday that Ekeler’s return is “absolutely possible,” per ESPN’s John Keim.
Ekeler suffered a scary concussion in Week 12 that was at least the fourth of his NFL career. He couldn’t make it through the league’s concussion protocol in Week 13, forcing him on injured reserve for at least four weeks.
Ekeler is eligible to be activated for this week’s game, but he hasn’t yet been designated to return, making it unlikely he plays against the Falcons on Sunday night. A return in Week 18 or the playoffs – which the Commanders could clinch this weekend – seems more likely, especially considering the delicate nature of head injuries.
The ex-Chargers running back has been a solid complement to Brian Robinson in the Commanders’ backfield this season. Robinson is the team’s leading rusher, while Ekeler has been the primary receiving back with 33 catches on 39 targets. The two running backs have combined with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to form the third-ranked rushing offense in the NFL.
