Austin Ekeler suffered a scary hit towards the end of the Commanders’ loss to the Cowboys on Sunday, as the Washington running back laid motionless afterwards on the field.
Ekeler was returning a kickoff late in the fourth quarter when he was hit by Dallas’ Damone Clark in the head – before hitting his head hard on the ground as well.
Ekeler laid flat on the ground afterwards on his belly as his teammates signaled for medical attention.
Players on both teams also kneeled while the game was paused and Ekeler was attended to.
The running back was ultimately able to walk off the field – very slowly – with the help of Commanders staff.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn confirmed to reporters after the game that Ekeler had suffered a concussion.
Austin Ekeler was left motionless on the field after receiving a huge hit on Sunday
Ekeler was able to walk off the field but needed help to do so and appeared very unsteady
Ekeler is seen warming up before the game, which the Commanders went on to lose 34-26
However, Ekeler did not look steady whilst doing so.
As is customary with especially graphic injuries, FOX did not show a replay of the hit on TV.
The Commanders have yet to comment on the injury, aside from posting a prayer-hands emoji along with Ekeler’s name on X.
Ekeler returned the ball to the 36-yard-line on the play – which began with just 14 seconds left – but the Commanders would go on to lose 34-26 to Dallas after a wild, back-and-forth game.
Washington trailed by 10 with 2:49 remaining after a touchdown kick return from KaVontae Turpin, but replied with a field goal and a long Terry McLaurin touchdown.
However, Washington kicker Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the day with just 21 seconds remaining after McLaurin’s score, meaning Washington still trailed by a point.
Dallas then added another score for emphasis when Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown.
Ekeler finished the game with 24 yards from scrimmage.