In the NFL, a single play can change everything. For Austin Ekeler and the Washington Commanders, that moment came on a seemingly routine carry in the third quarter of Monday Night Football. One second, Ekeler was powering through the Bengals‘ defense. The next, he was down, and the air at Paycor Stadium grew thick with concern.

Austin Ekeler left the game with a possible concussion. The incident occurred early in the third quarter, with the Commanders leading 21-13. The injury happened on a first down carry inside the 10-yard line. Ekeler gained three yards but took a hit to the head as he went down. He was slow to get up and needed assistance leaving the field.

Prior to the injury, Ekeler had been a key contributor, amassing 35 rushing yards and a touchdown on just three carries, along with two receptions for 22 yards. His departure was a significant blow to the Commanders’ offensive game plan.

The NFL’s approach to concussions has come a long way. Gone are the days when players would shake off a big hit and stumble back into the huddle. As AP News noted on September 16, “No more using smelling salts on the bench and getting back in the huddle. No more rubbing dirt on injuries.” Former Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears echoed this sentiment on ESPN’s ‘NFL Live’ panel, saying, “We played kinda blindly. We thought a concussion was in five, six days when you passed protocol, you stopped having headaches and you’re not light-sensitive, you’re back on the field.”

This shift in attitude was evident in the immediate reaction to Ekeler’s injury. Sideline reporter Lisa Salters announced that Ekeler would not return to the game, prioritizing his health over any potential impact on the team’s performance.

It is perhaps best illustrated by reactions to the head injury of Tua Tagovailoa, According to the Hall of Fame receiver Tony Gonzalez: “If I’m him, at this point, I’m seriously considering retiring from football.” Ekeler’s situation may not be so affected, but it shows how seriously the NFL takes head injuries.

How Austin Ekeler’s exit changed the Commanders’ offensive dynamic against the Bengals

Before his injury, Ekeler was the spark plug in the Commanders’ offensive engine. His 62-yard kick return put Washington in a good position early on. But things never go just the way you plan them in this or any game.

With Ekeler sidelined, the Commanders’ offensive rhythm took a hit. The dynamic duo of Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. had been giving the Bengals’ defense fits. Now, the burden fell squarely on Robinson’s shoulders. It was like watching a high-wire act suddenly lose its safety net.

The Commanders’ offense, which had been humming along like a well-oiled machine, now faced the challenge of adapting on the fly.

Despite Ekeler’s absence, the Commanders managed to secure a 38-33 victory against the Bengals. The game’s decisive moment came with 2:10 left on the clock when quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin for a 27-yard touchdown, giving Washington a two-score lead.

The Bengals, now 0-3, are facing their own set of challenges. As the Cincinnati.com article notes, their defense struggled throughout the game, failing to make meaningful stops. This defensive weakness allowed the Commanders to capitalize, even without their star running back Ekeler.

As the NFL season progresses, both teams will need to address their respective issues. For the Commanders, the focus will be on Ekeler’s recovery and adjusting their offensive strategy in his potential absence. The Bengals, meanwhile, face the daunting task of fixing their defensive woes and turning their season around.