Commanders RB Austin Ekeler Carted Off With Achilles Injury vs Packers

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler suffered a non-contact lower-body injury late in the fourth quarter of their Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, which was quickly ruled an Achilles injury by the team. Ekeler collapsed while attempting to change direction and was unable to put weight on his right leg, leading to him being carted off the field and ruled out for the game. The injury is considered serious and could potentially be season-ending or career-threatening for the 30-year-old veteran. Ekeler had been the focal point of the Commanders' offense following the trade of their starting running back Brian Robinson Jr., but struggled to produce significant yardage before his injury. The Commanders are now facing a depleted backfield with limited depth, having invested a late draft pick in tailback Jacory Merritt-Croskey, who has yet to make a major impact. This injury compounds a difficult night for Washington's offense, which was dominated by the Packers throughout the game.