Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) breaks away from Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) for a touchdown in the second quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. The Commanders led 21-13 at halftime. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Commanders Must Adjust with Austin Ekeler Out vs. Cardinals

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Sep 26, 2024 4:46 PM ET

The Washington Commanders are set to play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4, but they know that they won't have running back Austin Ekeler this weekend after he suffered a concussion on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Without Ekeler this week, quarterback Jayden Daniels know he and the offense will have to make some adjustments.

“Yeah, obviously that's another weapon that we won't have this week," Daniels said. "Praying for a speedy recovery with him to get back as fast as possible. But it’s next man up mentality, we're going to hold it down and move forward. Obviously, the gameplan that [Offensive Coordinator] Kliff [Kingsbury] and them have set we're going to go out and try to execute it. And go out there and practice hard, the next man up.”

With Ekeler out, Brian Robinson Jr. should have majority of the carries. The team will also have Jeremy McNichols as the backup, and he should get some work as well.

The Commanders will not be at their apex with Ekeler back home, but there is a confidence surrounding the group that has a sense of calamity going into the game.