Commanders' Austin Ekeler Details Concussion Symptoms After Injury vs. Cowboys

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler said during a Tuesday radio appearance on 106.7 The Fan (h/t Ben Standig of The Athletic) that he is still dealing with symptoms from the concussion he suffered during a Week 12 loss against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekler said he suffered memory loss after the injury, similar to what happened following a Week 3 concussion, and that he is experiencing neck pain and still hasn't cleared the concussion protocol. He is currently on injured reserve.

The veteran running back was injured on a kickoff return at the end of the game, and said he doesn't remember walking off the field or anything until he entered an ambulance to head to the hospital.

"I didn't even remember how I got off the field," he said. "I just remember coming to—as far as remembering stuff—I had short-term memory loss. I remember my wife was sitting in the room, and I'm getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room. That's when I started to remember things, and then all of a sudden, OK, we're getting in the back of the ambulance to go get a CT scan. I was definitely concussed and seeing some major symptoms there."

He's hopeful to clear the concussion protocol soon.

The 29-year-old has been solid this season, posting 355 rushing yards and four touchdowns while adding 33 catches for 346 yards

With Ekeler out of action, the Commanders will continue to utilize Brian Robinson, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. at running back. The team has a bye this week before ending the regular season against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler's earliest possible return is the Week 18 showdown with the Cowboys, though he didn't say if he would attempt to make a comeback this season.

"It's week to week," he said. "I want to continue to learn more. It's my second concussion (this season). Am I more susceptible to a third now that I've had two and the severity of mine? It's a learning process for me because I've never had anything this bad and twice in the same season. The best thing about this is the team has my back, pretty much on any decision that I make. I really appreciate DQ (Dan Quinn) and (general manager) Adam Peters for being there and being open to helping me out."

Every game will count for the 8-5 Commanders as they seek to earn a playoff berth. Washington currently sits at seventh in the NFC playoff picture ahead of three 6-6 teams (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams).

The Commanders ended a three-game slide on Sunday, blowing out the Tennessee Titans 42-19.