The Washington Commanders open the 21-day practice window for RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler back for the playoff run?

The Washington Commanders announced they have opened the 21-day practice window for RB Austin Ekeler. He suffered his 2nd concussion of the season on a kickoff return at the end of the crazy Dallas Cowboys game. He has been around the facility, and speaking with the media, but he wouldn’t commit to a return date. Ekeler has missed the last four games, and he is now eligible to be activated from injured reserve. Washington can elevate him this week, but they could also wait until the playoffs since they already clinched a spot. Dan Quinn said the team was going to fight like hell to keep the 6th seed, but we’ll have to see how practice goes this week before we have a better idea about Ekeler’s possible availability this weekend.

Washington’s offense could definitely use another weapon like Ekeler when he returns to the lineup. Brian Robinson and Jeremy McNichols have been the top two backs with Ekeler out, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. was re-signed to the 53-man roster after the Cowboys game. Ekeler had 74 rushes for 355 yards and 4 TDs, along with 33 receptions for 346 yards before going on IR.

Ekeler talked about returning from this concussion earlier this week on Grant and Danny.

The Commanders also added another offensive lineman to the practice squad. They suffered several OL injuries during Sunday’s win over the Falcons.

Washington had an open spot on the practice squad after the New England Patriots signed DT Haggai Ndubuisi, who was also an IPP player.