Sun Jan 19 01:10:00 UTC 2025: **Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler Cleared From Concussion Protocol, Expected to Play Sunday**

ASHBURN, VA – Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, who suffered a concussion in Week 12, has been cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol and is expected to play in Sunday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ekeler, who initially landed on injured reserve, returned to action in Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons, rushing three times for 12 yards and catching two passes for 20 yards. Despite missing four games due to the concussion and a previous concussion earlier in the season, he served as the team’s lead back last week.

“He was a full participant in practice this week and we expect him to be ready to go on Sunday,” Commanders head coach [Coach’s name, if available] said. The team’s three-headed backfield, featuring Ekeler, Brian Robinson Jr., and Jayden Daniels, has been impacted by Ekeler’s injuries, with Jeremy McNichols filling in during his absences. Robinson has shouldered a significant portion of the rushing workload in Ekeler’s absence.

While this season has been injury-marred for Ekeler – he also suffered a high ankle sprain early in the year – he still accumulated over 350 rushing yards in just 11 games played before the injury. His return provides a boost to the Commanders’ offensive balance heading into their crucial matchup with the Buccaneers.

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