The Washington Commanders activated running back Austin Ekeler off injured reserve Saturday, one day before the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
Ekeler has missed the past four games after sustaining a concussion against the Cowboys in Week 12. Ekeler was leveled while returning a kickoff in the final minute of the game.
The concussion was Ekeler’s second of the season. He sustained the first one in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and missed the following game.
Washington opened Ekeler’s 21-day window to return on Wednesday and Ekeler was listed as questionable for the game on Friday.
“He had a great week,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn told reporters. “He looked fast, explosive, all the stuff that Austin brings.”
Ekeler has rushed for 355 yards and four touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 346 yards during his first season with Washington. He is also averaging 31.3 yards on 19 kickoff returns.
Ekeler spent his first seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and topped 1,500 scrimmage yards on three occasions.
Washington placed safety Tyler Owens (ankle) on injured reserve to open up the roster spot for Ekeler. Owens has 11 tackles and one forced fumble in 12 games in his first NFL season.
