ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play Sunday, but running back Brian Robinson Jr.’s status is less certain.
Ekeler missed Sunday’s win over Arizona with a concussion and was not expected to be listed on Washington’s game report Friday afternoon.
“Austin is doing great. He’s had a really good week,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said.
But Quinn said Robinson will be listed as questionable and a decision will be made at game time.
“Brian is heading in the right direction and is doing great,” Quinn said.
Robinson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to a right knee injury. He participated in Friday’s practice and said afterward, “I feel much better than I did at the beginning of the week.” He then tweeted a thumbs up emoji.
However, the Commanders (3-1) will be without receiver Noah Brown (groin) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) for Sunday’s game against Cleveland (1-3). This will be Ferrell’s third consecutive missed game.
Ekeler has been optimistic all week, saying on Wednesday that he is “absolutely” on track for Sunday’s game. Ekeler suffered a concussion in the third quarter of Week 3 against Cincinnati. Over the first two games, Ekeler caught nine passes for 121 yards and rushed 13 times for an additional 83 yards. He also returned the opening kickoff of the second half 62 yards against the Bengals.
Jeremy McNichols, who replaced Ekeler last week, rushed eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Arizona.
If Robinson can’t play, Washington will need to lift running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Michael Wiley off the practice squad. Robinson is Washington’s primary back and Ekeler is the third-down back. Robinson rushed for 307 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
In three games against Washington, Brown caught nine passes for 111 yards and also drew praise for his blocking. Managers have often said they have a player in the rotation who can serve as the No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin.
Last week, Olamide Zakaius caught six passes for 85 yards. Washington also has rookie Luke McCaffrey and veteran Daimi Brown. The two combined to catch 12 passes for 116 yards.
