Austin Ekeler's hot start to 2024 is on hold.
The running back will not play in Washington's Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced Wednesday.
Ekeler suffered a concussion and an ear laceration in the second half of Washington's win over Cincinnati on Monday night, Quinn said Tuesday. Ekeler did not return to the contest and flew back to Ashburn, Virginia overnight rather than traveling with the team to Arizona, according to Quinn.
Ekeler has enjoyed a nice first few weeks with the Commanders, tallying 204 scrimmage yards on 22 touches (13 rushing, nine receiving) and scoring one rushing touchdown. He's also proven himself as an ideal fit for the dynamic kickoff, averaging 36.3 yards per return (four total kick returns) in 2024, the first season in which he's filled such a role since the 2017 campaign with the Chargers.
Without Ekeler, the Commanders will be forced to rely on starting running back Brian Robinson more, with Jeremy McNichols available as a spell back.