Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could make his return to the field this weekend after missing the past four games with a concussion.
The franchise opened his 21-day practice window for him to return from the injured reserve list on Wednesday.
Under the NFL’s guidelines, Ekeler will have to return to game action within the next 21 days. If he’s unable to play, he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the season.
The 29-year-old suffered the head injury on Nov. 24 while returning a kickoff in the final ten seconds of a loss against the Dallas Cowboys. After taking a hard hit, he remained motionless on the field while his teammates waived for help from the team’s medical staff.
He was taken to a hospital after the game “out of an abundance of caution,” Commanders officials said at the time. It was Ekeler’s second concussion of the season — he missed the Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals with a similar injury.
“It’s great to have him back. He’s had great workouts all the speed and everything, but just to have him back on the field today is really cool,” coach Dan Quinn said after Wednesday morning’s pre-practice walkthrough. “Definitely a little spring in his step.”
Ekeler has recorded 355 rushing yards and 346 receiving yards with four total touchdowns in 11 games this season.
The 11-5 Commanders finish the regular season on Sunday in Dallas against the rival Cowboys.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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