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John Keim
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Washington Commanders fear veteran running back Austin Ekeler tore his right Achilles in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ekeler, 30, still needs to undergo imaging that is scheduled for Friday for confirmation, sources said.
“That will be significant,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said about the potential season-ending loss of Ekeler. “He provides a lot of unique things for us.”
With 5 minutes, 50 seconds to play, Ekeler was running a route on third-and-10 and went to cut, only to fall to the ground. He was then helped to the sideline as athletic trainers looked at his right foot.
Ekeler was taken to the locker room and ruled out shortly afterward. He left the stadium using crutches and wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
“He’s one of the great leaders on this team,” rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt said. “I learn a lot from him, so it’s definitely tough.”
Ekeler finished the game with eight rushes for 17 yards. He caught two passes for 7 yards.
Ekeler was Washington’s top running back, also serving as its primary third-down back. In 12 games last season, Ekeler rushed for 367 yards and had 366 yards receiving.
