Austin Ekeler: Everything you need to know

The Commanders officially placed Ekeler (Achilles) on injured reserve Monday. Ekeler went down while running a route in the flat in the fourth quarter of last Thursday's defeat at Green Bay and quickly was ruled out with an Achilles injury. After undergoing the necessary tests, a torn Achilles was confirmed, thereby wiping out the rest of his 2025 campaign. Rookie seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to take on a good portion of the early-down work out of the Commanders backfield moving forward, but Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez also are on hand for any RB reps that linger.

Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles during Thursday's 27-18 loss to the Packers, an MRI confirmed Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Ekeler went down with a non-contact right Achilles injury late in the fourth quarter and was carted to the locker room. His 2025 season is over after 14 carries for 43 yards and five receptions for 38 yards. The 30-year-old running back is expected to be placed on injured reserve at some point in the next week. The Commanders will move forward with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez in the backfield. Ekeler will be an unrestricted free agent in March.

Ekeler is set to undergo an MRI on Friday, but the Commanders believe that he suffered a torn Achilles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Ekeler suffered a non-contact right Achilles injury late in the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss to the Packers. If Friday's tests confirm the team's fears, Ekeler will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt likely will see an increased workload, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez vying for depth roles.