Commanders' Austin Ekeler reveals memory loss after frightening concussion

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler says he is dealing with lingering symptoms, including memory loss, from the concussion he suffered on Nov. 24.

Ekeler, 29, told 106.7 The Fan in D.C. that he’s “definitely going through it,” dealing with neck pain and brain “fogginess.”

Most concerning, his memories from after the hit are spotty at best.

The Commanders' Austin Ekeler (c.) appeared to be knocked out cold after getting hit returning a kick against the Cowboys on Sunday. — The Commanders’ Austin Ekeler (c.) appeared to be knocked out cold after getting hit returning a kick against the Cowboys on Sunday. Fox

Austin Ekeler #30 of the Washington Commanders is escorted off the field after an injury sustained during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. ( — Austin Ekeler #30 of the Washington Commanders is escorted off the field after an injury sustained during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. Getty Images

“I didn’t even remember how I got off the field,” Ekeler said during his weekly radio appearance on Tuesday. “I just remember coming to … as far as remembering stuff, I had short-term memory loss. I remember my wife was sitting in the room, and I’m getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room…

“That’s when I started to remember things, and then all of a sudden, OK, we’re getting in the back of the ambulance to go get a CT scan…”

The injury occurred during a kick return in the Commanders’ 34-26 loss to the Cowboys just days before Thanksgiving. Ekeler was subsequently placed on injured reserve.

Austin Ekeler #30 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball in the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. Getty Images

The eighth-year back says he experienced similar amnesia after sustaining a concussion earlier in 2024 during a road matchup against the Bengals.

Ekeler’s concussion in Week 3 in Cincinnati kept him sidelined for one game. At the time, it was the third head injury of his career, with the previous two coming in 2018 and 2021.

With the head injury suffered in Week 12, Ekeler is yet to pᴀss concussion protocol but told the radio station he felt he was “getting there.”

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn answers questions during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Landover, Md. The Cowboys won 34-26. AP

Commanders coach Dan Quinn, speaking to reporters last week, ᴀssured that his star back wouldn’t be rushed back onto the field.

“The protocols are there and they’re rigorous for a reason to protect the players and keep them safe,” Quinn said. “And so, just on a case-by-case basis, we’ll follow that all the way through.

Given the move to injured reserve, the 8-5 Commanders — in the midst of a late-season playoff push — will be without Ekeler for a minimum of four games.

Fan celebrate with Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. #8 from the stands after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Tennessee тιтans at Northwest Stadium. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

In his first year with Washington, Ekeler has worked as part of the running back committee that also features Brian Robinson Jr.

Prior to the head injury, Ekeler had appeared in 11 contests and accumulated 355 yards rushing and 346 receiving. He also had four touchdowns on the year.

With Ekeler sidelined in Week 14, Robinson Jr. saw the bulk of carries as the Commanders thrashed the 3-9 тιтans, 42-19.

The Commanders are firmly in the hunt for a playoff berth and will close out their 2024 campaign with matchups against the Saints, Eagles, Falcons and Cowboys.