Commanders RB Austin Ekeler Suffers Torn Achilles vs. Packers, Out for Remainder of 2025 Season

The Washington Commanders’ 27–18 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night wasn’t the only loss they had to endure. It also came with a crushing blow for veteran running back Austin Ekeler, who went down with an injury that has now ruled him out for the remainder of the 2025 season.

The 30-year-old Running Back suffered a torn right Achilles tendon late in the fourth quarter while running a route with just under six minutes left in regulation. There was no contact on the play; Ekeler simply planted his foot and collapsed to the ground. Trainers then helped him to the sideline before he was carted to the locker room.

Ekeler later left Lambeau Field wearing a walking boot and on crutches, a dejected figure as the Commanders’ worst fears began to take shape. Those fears were eventually confirmed after further examinations on Friday, with an MRI revealing a full tear. Recovery for this injury typically takes nine to 12 months, which means Ekeler’s 2025 campaign has now ended just two games in.

Austin Ekeler wasn’t just the Commanders’ primary back; he was also their most reliable option in passing downs, a versatile piece who could stretch defenses and provide an outlet for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. His impact had already been felt in Week 1 against the New York Giants, where he contributed on both the ground and through the air as Washington opened the season with a win. Although his stat line against Green Bay was modest, eight carries for 17 yards and two receptions for seven, his absence was noticeable as Washington struggled to find rhythm late in the game.

The Commanders now face a running back dilemma. With Brian Robinson Jr. traded to San Francisco last month, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to shoulder the bulk of the carries. He flashed potential in the preseason and logged 17 yards on four carries in Green Bay, but the pressure of replacing a seasoned veteran will be immense. Washington also has Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols available, though neither has proven themselves as consistent starters.

The loss of Austin Ekeler leaves Washington not only short on experience in the backfield but also searching for leadership in the locker room. Beyond his play, Ekeler was regarded as a steadying presence for Daniels and the offense.

The Commanders will now regroup ahead of their Week 3 matchup at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, September 21. Without their veteran back, they’ll hope the rest of the offense can step up to steady the ship.

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Austin Ekeler Reportedly Contemplated Retirement Just Weeks Before Achilles Injury Ended His Season

For Austin Ekeler, the cruel twist of fate is even harder to stomach given his candid admission just weeks ago that retirement was already on his mind.

In an EssentiallySports Exclusive interview last month with Andrew Whitelaw, the nine-year veteran spoke openly about weighing his future beyond football. 

“Yeah, absolutely, you know, I have two years, so I’m in my second of my two-year deal out here, so looking forward to putting our best foot forward this year, making another run. We got a little bit of unfinished business,” he said. 

The words, hopeful at the time, now ring bittersweet.

Ekeler also admitted that the grind of the NFL has forced him to evaluate his body and mind more seriously with each passing year. 

“Once you get to year nine, I feel like you have to reevaluate your mental and your body health after every single season.” 

Austin Ekeler’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. From an undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado in 2017 to one of the league’s premier dual-threat backs with the Los Angeles Chargers, he built a reputation as one of the strongest and most versatile players in the NFL. He recorded nearly 1,000 receiving yards in 2019 and piled up 38 total touchdowns across 2021 and 2022, cementing himself as a nightmare for defenses.

Now, with a torn Achilles at age 30, the possibility looms that this could be the injury that closes the final chapter of his playing career. Recovery is long, uncertain, and especially difficult for running backs, whose explosiveness is often compromised.

Still, Commanders fans and NFL fans at large will be hoping this isn’t the last we see of Austin Ekeler on the field. His resilience and determination have carried him this far, and if there’s one thing his career has proven, it’s that he thrives on defying expectations. Whether this setback leads to retirement or one more comeback, only time will tell.

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