NFL News: Commanders' Austin Ekeler Reportedly Activated from IR After Concussion

Veteran running back Austin Ekeler was activated from injured reserve by the Washington Commanders on Saturday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Ekeler started his IR stint on Nov. 30 due to a concussion that he suffered near the end of a 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12.

The 29-year-old appeared in 11 of Washington's first 12 games of the regular season, including six starts.

He was listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expressed his excitement about Ekeler progressing to practicing when speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"We're really pumped to have him back out on the field," Quinn said, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. "He's had great workouts, all the speed and everything, but just to have him back on the field today was really cool. There was a spring in his step, for sure, and we'll go through the whole process."

Ekeler will face a familiar opponent in his return to action, as Washington is scheduled to clash with Dallas on Sunday.

The matchup has postseason implications for the Commanders even though they've already clinched a playoff berth. A win over the Cowboys would ensure that they hold the No. 6 spot in the NFC, but a loss combined with a Green Bay Packers win drops Washington to the No. 7 seed.

Ekeler's average of 32.3 rushing yards per game in 2024 is his lowest mark since 2017, although he's still remained a contributor in the Commanders' passing attack. He's picked up 701 all-purpose yards on 107 touches this season, finding the end zone four times.

Washington can still secure the No. 6 spot with a loss, but allowing Ekeler to shake off any rust against the Cowboys and prepare for a potential postseason run is crucial. The Commanders haven't advanced to the divisional round since 2005.

Kickoff between Dallas and Washington on Sunday is at 1 p.m. ET.