Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has been ruled out for this week’s game with a concussion.
Ekeler exited Monday night’s win at Cincinnati in the second half with the injury and also a lacerated ear, Commanders coach Dan Quinn told reporters. It is Ekeler’s third documented concussion in his seven-plus years in the NFL.
While his teammates flew to Arizona after Monday night’s game, Ekeler returned to team headquarters in Ashburn, Va. The Commanders (2-1) play the Cardinals (1-2) on Sunday.
Quinn also said that defensive end Clelin Ferrell will miss a second consecutive game because of a knee injury. Ferrell started the first two games of the season and had four tackles, including two sacks.
Ekeler, 29, has 13 rushes for 83 yards and a touchdown in three games (one start) this season, his first with the Commanders. He also has nine catches for 121 yards out of the backfield while splitting time with RB1 Brian Robinson.
Ekeler signed a two-year contract worth $11.43 million with Washington in March after seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
In 106 career games (69 starts), Ekeler has amassed 8,443 yards from scrimmage (4,438 rushing, 4,005 receiving) with 40 rushing touchdowns and 30 receiving TDs.
The Commanders also have Jeremy McNichols in a backup role behind Robinson.
Washington signed Ferrell, 27, as a free agent in March to a one-year contract. The fourth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft by the then-Oakland Raiders, Ferrell has played 77 games (49 starts) for the Raiders (2019-22), San Francisco 49ers (2023) and Commanders.
He has 137 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his career.
–Field Level Media
