Ekeler Down! How Does His Achilles Injury Impact the Commanders’ Trade Deadline Plans?

The Washington Commanders suffered a brutal blow in their recent game against the Green Bay Packers, losing veteran running back Austin Ekeler to a season-ending Achilles injury. The Commanders lost to the Packers 27-18. This unfortunate event has not only impacted their on-field performance but also significantly altered their strategic approach heading into the NFL trade deadline. With Ekeler sidelined, the Commanders must now reassess their running back situation and consider potential moves to bolster their roster for the remainder of the 2025 season.

The Impact of Ekeler’s Injury

Austin Ekeler’s presence in the Commanders’ backfield was expected to be a key component of their offensive strategy. In his first season with Washington in 2024, Ekeler contributed 733 scrimmage yards and played a crucial role in helping the team reach the NFC Championship Game. Known for his versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher, Ekeler provided quarterback Jayden Daniels with a reliable target out of the backfield.

In the wake of Ekeler’s injury, the Commanders’ running back room has become considerably thinner. The team had previously traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, banking on a committee approach led by Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Now, with Ekeler out, the Commanders will need to lean heavily on Croskey-Merritt, along with Jeremy McNichols, and potentially involve players like Deebo Samuel in the running game to compensate for the loss.

Current State of the Commanders’ Running Back Corps

Following Ekeler’s injury, the Commanders’ running back depth chart looks significantly different than initially planned for the 2025 season:

Jacory Croskey-Merritt: As a seventh-round pick, Croskey-Merritt now finds himself thrust into a prominent role. During training camp, Croskey-Merritt generated considerable buzz, and in his NFL debut, he rushed for 82 yards on 10 carries. The team will rely on him to carry a significant load.
Jeremy McNichols: McNichols, a veteran, will likely see an increase in playing time.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.: Rodriguez, who was inactive for the first two games, is expected to be elevated to the active roster to provide additional depth.
Chase Edmonds: The Commanders recently signed veteran running back Chase Edmonds to their practice squad to add further depth. Edmonds, a seven-year veteran, brings experience and versatility to the team.

Commanders’ Trade Deadline Needs

With the trade deadline looming, the Commanders must evaluate their needs and determine whether to make any moves to address the void left by Ekeler’s injury. Several factors will influence their decision-making process:

Running Back Depth: The most immediate concern is the lack of proven depth at the running back position. While Croskey-Merritt has shown promise, relying solely on a rookie and unproven veterans may not be a sustainable strategy for the entire season.
Offensive Balance: Ekeler’s ability to contribute as a receiver added a dimension to the Commanders’ offense. Without him, the team may need to find another pass-catching back or adjust their offensive scheme to maintain balance.
Team Performance: The Commanders’ performance in the upcoming games will likely influence their trade deadline approach. If the team struggles to run the ball effectively, they may feel compelled to make a move to acquire a more established running back.

Potential Trade Targets

If the Commanders decide to pursue a trade for a running back, several potential targets could be available:

Salvon Ahmed: With the Dolphins having a crowded backfield, Ahmed could be available.
Damien Harris: Harris could provide a veteran presence and a reliable rushing option.
Other Options: Depending on the asking price, the Commanders could also explore trades for players like Kenny Gainwell.

Other Positions of Need

While the running back position is now a pressing concern, the Commanders may also look to address other areas of need at the trade deadline. According to reports, the team has been exploring adding a cornerback and could also use help at wide receiver.

Cornerback: The Commanders’ secondary has been a weak spot, and adding a veteran cornerback could improve their pass defense. Potential targets include Greg Newsome II of the Browns and Jaycee Horn of the Panthers.
Wide Receiver: The Commanders could look to add another receiving target for Jayden Daniels. With Terry McLaurin being the only receiver under contract for 2026, adding talent and size to the receiving corps could benefit the offense.

Possible Trade Scenarios

Several trade scenarios could unfold for the Commanders as the deadline approaches:

Trading for a Veteran Running Back: The Commanders could trade a draft pick or a player from another position of strength to acquire a proven running back.
Adding a Depth Cornerback: The Commanders could trade a late-round pick for a veteran cornerback to bolster their secondary.
Standing Pat: The Commanders could choose to stand pat at the trade deadline, relying on their current roster and hoping that Croskey-Merritt and other young players can step up.

The Road Ahead

The loss of Austin Ekeler is a significant setback for the Washington Commanders. However, the team has an opportunity to address this challenge by making strategic moves at the trade deadline. Whether they choose to acquire a veteran running back, bolster other positions of need, or stand pat and rely on their existing roster, the Commanders’ decisions in the coming weeks will shape their trajectory for the remainder of the 2025 season.