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Is Austin Ekeler out for the season? Will Ekeler play again in 2024? Read RotoBaller's latest updates on Austin Ekeler's injury.
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) suffered an injury when returning a kickoff in the final seconds of a 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. This injury has sidelined Ekeler since and landed him on the IR (Injured-reserve), meaning he has had to miss the last four games.
Concussions are always tricky, as there is a process and steps needed to be taken to be cleared from the concussion protocol. Some return the next week, and some take up to multiple weeks to return. In Ekeler's case, he missed the minimum four games, combined with the Commanders' Week 14 bye week.
So, will Ekeler play again in 2024?
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Is Austin Ekeler Out For The Season?
The Washington Commanders announced on Wednesday morning that they had opened the 21-day practice window for running back Ekeler (concussion) to return from Injured Reserve. Ekeler can resume practicing with the team on Wednesday and be eligible to come off IR and play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys.
Later in the afternoon on Wednesday, it was reported that Ekeler was a full participant in his return to practice that day. This is a very encouraging sign of his availability for Sunday. If the 29-year-old pass-catching back will play this weekend, he'll need to come off IR by Saturday officially.
Prayers for Austin Ekeler 🙏
He got knocked out cold.pic.twitter.com/U3RYB9hVKq
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 24, 2024
The Commanders will want to consider how much they want to play Ekeler against the Cowboys in Week 18. In Week 17, the Commanders locked up a playoff spot with their 30-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. If they win against the Cowboys in Week 18, they will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. If they lose to the Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers win, they will go to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles, which would be a much tougher matchup.
Austin Ekeler (concussion) fully practices Wednesday.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) January 1, 2025
Given the recent news, there is optimism that Ekeler will play in some capacity on Sunday. It just remains to be seen how much work he will get. With the Commanders focusing on how far they can go in the playoffs, it may be beneficial for them to play Ekeler cautiously. Fantasy Managers will want to look elsewhere to find production in Week 18. Ekeler is a low-end RB3/Flex option if he plays.
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