Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The Washington Commanders fear that veteran running back Austin Ekeler sustained a torn Achilles in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Sources told NFL Network, ESPN and The Athletic on Friday that the Commanders believe Ekeler tore his Achilles. Ekeler totaled eight carries for 17 yards and two catches for 7 yards before his exit.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn did not provide details about the extent of Ekeler's injury, but said it "will be significant" if the running back is out for the season.
"Let's hope for the best and see where we get to," Quinn said of Ekeler, who totaled 81 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches through the first two weeks of the season. "But he does provide a lot of unique things for us. ... I don't want to speculate, but he's a heck of a player for us."
Ekeler was hurt with about 5:50 remaining. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took a snap on a third-and-10 play from the Packers' 45-yard line to start the sequence.
Daniels connected with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who ran for a 12-yard gain. Ekeler, who was split out wide during the play, ran back in to attempt to block for Samuel, but collapsed to the ground.
Ekeler held on to his right leg as he writhed in pain before being tended to by the medical staff. He was eventually carted off the field and did not return.
Samuel ended the drive with a 10-yard touchdown catch.
Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt totaled 17 yards on four carries. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are the only other running backs on the Commanders' roster. Running back Donovan Edwards is on the Commanders' practice squad.
The Commanders (1-1) will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath catches a pass in front of Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the first half of the game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on September 11, 2025. The Packers defeated the Commanders 27-18. Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo