Washington Commanders Running Back Austin Ekeler is expected to suit up for the first time in over a month in Week 18 on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler has been out since November 24 with a concussion he suffered against the Cowboys. Before his injury, Ekeler was having a stellar regular season. He had 355 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.
Ekeler signed a two-year $11.43 million contract with the Washington Commanders during the offseason and provided the team with a veteran presence as they looked to get back on track. He will rejoin a Commanders backfield that includes Brian Robinson Jr. How will Ekeler and the Washington Commanders fare in Week 18 as they gear up for the NFL Playoffs?
Washington Commanders Season Summary
The #Commanders are activating veteran RB Austin Ekeler from Injured Reserve after dealing with a concussion, source says. He’ll play tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/RcvVyl3jij
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2025
Washington(11-5) has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season as they are the No. 6 seed in the NFC. Their success this season has been powered by Rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels. He is 14th in the league in passing yards, tied for 8th in passing touchdowns, and 4th in QBR. Daniels is also the prohibitive favorite to be named the Rookie of the Year. Washington’s offense has been stellar this season as they are fourth in yards per game and fifth in points per game.
First-year Head Coach Dan Quinn has also overhauled the Washington Commanders defense this season. They are 9th in yards allowed and 19th in points allowed. The Commanders are riding high entering Week 18 winning four consecutive games. The team’s defense has surrendered nearly 24 points per game over their winning streak. They will have to contend with Quarterback Trey Lance in Sunday’s game.
Final Thoughts
Ekeler and the Washington Commanders look to enter the NFL Playoffs on a five-game winning streak. Washington still has a great deal to play for tomorrow against the Dallas Cowboys. As long as Washington wins tomorrow, they will maintain the No. 6 seed in the conference.
If the Commanders were to lose, and the Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears, Washington would fall to the No. 7 seed. That would set up a game next weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. The teams split the season series this year. It has been a tremendous regular season for the Commanders, and they want to keep the good times going with a win in the “Lone Star State” on Sunday.
