Introduction
Austin Ekeler, professional running back for the Washington Commanders, has recently grabbed headlines due to a concerning Achilles injury suffered during Thursday Night Football. Beyond the injury, questions swirl around his backup options, availability status, physical profile, and financials. This deep-dive article unpacks everything you need to know about Ekeler’s current situation—highlighting his role, injury prognosis, potential return to play, height, salary structure, and more.
1. Backup & Depth Chart
Ekeler began the 2025 season as the starting running back and versatile third-down option for Washington. His early contributions made him a key part of the Commanders’ offense.
With Ekeler now ruled out due to the Achilles injury, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick, is poised to assume a significantly expanded role moving forward.
Veterans Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are also expected to see increased snaps as the team compensates for Ekeler’s absence.
2. Achilles Injury Update
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Incident Recap: Ekeler suffered a non-contact Achilles injury late in the fourth quarter during the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers. He was immediately ruled out and carted off the field.
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Suspected Severity: Multiple reports believe the injury is an Achilles tear, a serious setback with major implications.
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Medical Follow-up: Ekeler is scheduled to undergo an MRI today to confirm the diagnosis and extent of the injury.
3. Playing Today?
Given the severity of an Achilles tear and the medical red flag it raises, Ekeler is definitely not playing today, nor in the near future. His status has been updated to OUT, and he will not return for the remainder of the game or likely the season.
4. Height & Physical Profile
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Height: 5′10″ (178 cm)
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Weight: 200 lbs (≈91 kg).
This compact but sturdy build has historically enabled Ekeler to excel in both rushing and pass-catching roles, contributing to his versatility as a dual-threat running back and return specialist.
5. Salary & Contract Details
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Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Commanders in March 2024; he is currently in the final year of this contract.
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He previously earned a base salary of $6.25 million during the 2023 season.
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His earlier entry into the NFL came via a four-year, $24.5 million contract, including $15 million guaranteed, after going undrafted in 2017.
6. Recovery Prognosis & Timeline
Achilles tendon tears are notoriously challenging and typically require an extended rehabilitation timeline.
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Typical recovery: 9 to 12 months for full return, depending on rehabilitation progress. Some athletes push for early return (6–9 months) but risk re-injury.
If Ekeler does indeed have a torn Achilles, his 2025 season is almost certainly over, and a 2026 return would depend on recovery quality and team decisions.
7. Career Overview & Impact
Ekeler’s career includes nine NFL seasons with the Chargers (2017–2023) and now with the Commanders (2024–present). To date, he has accumulated:
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Rushing Yards: 4,765 yards (note: Wikipedia cites 4,748, likely close enough)
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Rushing Touchdowns: 43
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Receiving Yards: 4,288 receptions for 4,281 yards
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Receiving Touchdowns: 30.
Known for agility, receiving ability out of the backfield, and special team contributions, Ekeler earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2024 as a return specialist.
FAQs
Q1: Is Austin Ekeler expected to return this season?
A1: Given that the injury is likely a torn Achilles tendon and his status is OUT, a return this season is highly improbable.
Q2: Who will replace Ekeler in the Commanders’ backfield?
A2: Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to take on a larger role. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. may also receive more touches.
Q3: What is Ekeler’s physical profile?
A3: He is 5′10″ tall and weighs approximately 200 lbs—a build that supports his dual-threat role.
Q4: What does his contract look like?
A4: Ekeler is in the final year of a two-year contract with the Commanders, signed in 2024. He previously earned a base salary of $6.25M in 2023 and had a prior deal worth $24.5M with $15M guaranteed.
Q5: How long is the recovery process from an Achilles tear?
A5: Players typically require 9 to 12 months to return to full activity after such an injury; earlier returns are rare and risky. Austin Ekeler Achilles injury.
Conclusion
Austin Ekeler’s Achilles injury marks a pivotal moment in his career, sidelining one of the NFL’s most versatile running backs. At 5′10″ and 200 lbs, Ekeler’s diversified skill set and proven track record—including 4,700+ rushing yards and over 4,200 receiving yards—made him invaluable to the Commanders. Unfortunately, this significant injury likely ends his 2025 season.
The focus now shifts to rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran backs to fill the void. Whether Ekeler can return in 2026 depends on his rehabilitation trajectory and the evolving NFL landscape.
