The Thursday Night Football clash between the Washington Commanders and the Green Bay Packers had everything that fans expected. In the end, it was the Packers who handed Washington a 27-18 loss at Lambeau Field.
The Commanders struggled on offense and once again failed to turn key drives into points, while Green Bay did just enough to secure control. But the game wasn’t just about the scoreboard. Injuries stole much of the spotlight, with several players on both sides leaving the field.
The biggest blow of the night came late in the fourth quarter when Washington running back Austin Ekeler went down without contact. He tried to make a cut, but immediately collapsed and could not put weight on his right leg.
austin ekeler injury pic.twitter.com/o72ZTbHq2d
— ◇ (@F0RGIAT0) September 12, 2025
Defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. also left the game for Washington. The injury happened in the second quarter when his leg bent awkwardly under another player. He was carted off the field, unable to return. The Commanders ruled him out with a quad injury.
Former Arkansas Razorback Deatrich Wise Jr. clearly upset and in pain as his leg was rolled on…WPS forever man, hope you heal up!! #WPS #Deatrichwise pic.twitter.com/tleGSGjSCD
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhifer) September 12, 2025
The Packers also weren’t spared. Receiver Jayden Reed landed hard after a big play was wiped out by a penalty, injuring his shoulder. He was listed as questionable and never looked comfortable after that moment.
“WR Jayden Reed, who landed hard on his shoulder, is officially questionable to return vs the #Commanders,” Ian Rapoport reported.
Green Bay’s tight end Tucker Kraft briefly left with a lower-body concern, but he managed to return and finish the game. Both teams walked away with more questions than answers. Washington not only lost the game but also suffered injuries to two key players on each side of the ball.
What Future Looks Like for Austin Ekeler?
Austin Ekeler’s injury comes at a difficult stage in his career. At 30 years old and in his ninth season, the veteran back was looking to rebound after a disappointing 2024 campaign. The concern now is whether an Achilles issue could mark the beginning of the end for him.
Reports suggest it could be serious, and given his age and workload over nearly a decade, the recovery timeline becomes even more daunting. A torn Achilles, in most cases, turns out to be season-ending.
But in this case, it might cause bigger problems. For a 30-year-old back, it can be career-threatening. For Ekeler, the next few months may determine not just when he returns, but whether he can continue playing at the level that once made him one of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons.
Read More:
What Happened To Deatrich Wise Jr? Commanders DL Carted Off Field After Serious Injury
Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy Drops Blunt 2-Word Message As He Teases Early Return from Injury
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