Washington Commanders operating again Austin Ekeler suffered a torn proper Achilles and can miss the rest of the season, a supply advised ESPN on Saturday.
The information was anticipated after Ekeler exited Washington’s 27-18 loss to Inexperienced Bay within the fourth quarter Thursday evening.
“Thanks all for the love and effectively needs. I recognize you all,” Ekeler wrote in an Instagram story Saturday.
Ekeler ran a route with 5:50 remaining within the recreation and fell to the bottom with none contact. He wanted to be helped off the sector earlier than being carted to the locker room. Ekeler exited the locker room with a strolling boot and on crutches, and he was clearly dejected.
“That shall be vital,” Washington coach Dan Quinn stated after the sport. “He offers numerous distinctive issues for us.”
It is a essential blow to Washington’s offense as Ekeler served as the first again — although the Commanders haven’t got one dominant rusher — and excelled on third downs and within the unfold packages.
Final season, Ekeler rushed for 367 yards and gained one other 366 receiving. Quinn additionally consistently identified his management within the operating backs room in addition to with the offense typically.
The Commanders have three different operating backs on their roster in rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, veteran Jeremy McNichols and third-year Chris Rodriguez, who was inactive the primary two video games however had a powerful coaching camp and preseason.
Washington traded veteran Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round draft choose final month.
Ekeler spent his first seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, making their roster as an undrafted free agent.