The Washington Commanders are making waves with a flurry of high-profile roster moves that could dramatically reshape their team. In a stunning turn of events, the Commanders have placed star running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve and released former first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.
Austin Ekeler Sidelined With Concussion
Ekeler, the Commanders’ most dynamic offensive weapon, suffered a concussion on a kickoff return in the final seconds of last week’s 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. After lying motionless on the field, Ekeler walked off gingerly with assistance from the training staff. He previously missed Week 4 with a concussion as well.
By placing Ekeler on injured reserve, he will be required to miss a minimum of four games. However, with Washington’s bye week coming up on December 8th, there is optimism that Ekeler could return after sitting out just three contests if he progresses through the concussion protocol.
The timing could not be worse for the 7-5 Commanders, who are fighting to stay in the NFC playoff picture. Ekeler leads all Washington running backs with 701 scrimmage yards, rushing for 355 and adding 346 through the air. His unique skill set will be sorely missed in an offense lacking playmakers.
Commanders Sign RB Chris Rodriguez
To help fill the void, the Commanders signed rookie running back Chris Rodriguez earlier this week. The undrafted free agent out of Kentucky will compete with Brian Robinson Jr. and Jeremy McNichols for snaps in Ekeler’s absence. While talented, it’s a lot to ask of a youngster to replace an All-Pro caliber player like Ekeler.
Emmanuel Forbes Era Comes to Abrupt End
Perhaps even more shocking than Ekeler’s injury was the outright release of 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. The 16th overall selection in April’s draft, Forbes was expected to be a centerpiece in Washington’s secondary for years to come. Instead, his tenure ends after just 23 games.
Forbes’ ball-hawking skills were his calling card coming out of Mississippi State, where he set an FBS record with six pick-sixes. The previous regime banked on that translating to the next level, but Forbes struggled mightily as a rookie.
– According to a team source
The young corner started only seven games across two seasons, battling both inconsistent play and nagging injuries. He appeared in just six games with one start in 2024 before being shut down. If he clears waivers, Forbes’ contract will leave $9.1M in dead cap on the Commanders’ books for 2025.
Front Office Cleaning House
Forbes is now the third former first-round pick that new general manager Adam Peters has cut ties with in his first year at the helm. The Commanders traded 2022 first-rounder Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia in August and released linebacker Jamin Davis, their 2021 top choice, in October.
The previous front office also shipped out their 2019 and 2020 first rounders, pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat, at least year’s trade deadline. It’s clear Peters is intent on putting his stamp on the roster and moving on from the prior administration’s mistakes.
Where Do the Commanders Go From Here?
With their playoff hopes fading and now down their top offensive weapon and a recent first-round bust, the 2024 Commanders find themselves in a precarious position. Sunday’s matchup with the 3-8 Titans is bordering on must-win territory to keep their postseason aspirations afloat.
Looking ahead, Washington needs to nail their early 2025 draft picks to replenish a roster that Peters has steadily dismantled in year one. Reaching for needs has backfired spectacularly in the past, so the pressure is on the scouting department to get it right this time around.
Only time will tell if the Commanders can emerge from this turbulent phase with a nucleus in place to contend for years to come. For a franchise that has wandered the wilderness for three decades, fans can only hope this latest reboot will be the one that finally bears fruit.
The timing could not be worse for the 7-5 Commanders, who are fighting to stay in the NFC playoff picture. Ekeler leads all Washington running backs with 701 scrimmage yards, rushing for 355 and adding 346 through the air. His unique skill set will be sorely missed in an offense lacking playmakers.
Commanders Sign RB Chris Rodriguez
To help fill the void, the Commanders signed rookie running back Chris Rodriguez earlier this week. The undrafted free agent out of Kentucky will compete with Brian Robinson Jr. and Jeremy McNichols for snaps in Ekeler’s absence. While talented, it’s a lot to ask of a youngster to replace an All-Pro caliber player like Ekeler.
Emmanuel Forbes Era Comes to Abrupt End
Perhaps even more shocking than Ekeler’s injury was the outright release of 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. The 16th overall selection in April’s draft, Forbes was expected to be a centerpiece in Washington’s secondary for years to come. Instead, his tenure ends after just 23 games.
Forbes’ ball-hawking skills were his calling card coming out of Mississippi State, where he set an FBS record with six pick-sixes. The previous regime banked on that translating to the next level, but Forbes struggled mightily as a rookie.
– According to a team source
The young corner started only seven games across two seasons, battling both inconsistent play and nagging injuries. He appeared in just six games with one start in 2024 before being shut down. If he clears waivers, Forbes’ contract will leave $9.1M in dead cap on the Commanders’ books for 2025.
Front Office Cleaning House
Forbes is now the third former first-round pick that new general manager Adam Peters has cut ties with in his first year at the helm. The Commanders traded 2022 first-rounder Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia in August and released linebacker Jamin Davis, their 2021 top choice, in October.
The previous front office also shipped out their 2019 and 2020 first rounders, pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat, at least year’s trade deadline. It’s clear Peters is intent on putting his stamp on the roster and moving on from the prior administration’s mistakes.
Where Do the Commanders Go From Here?
With their playoff hopes fading and now down their top offensive weapon and a recent first-round bust, the 2024 Commanders find themselves in a precarious position. Sunday’s matchup with the 3-8 Titans is bordering on must-win territory to keep their postseason aspirations afloat.
Looking ahead, Washington needs to nail their early 2025 draft picks to replenish a roster that Peters has steadily dismantled in year one. Reaching for needs has backfired spectacularly in the past, so the pressure is on the scouting department to get it right this time around.
Only time will tell if the Commanders can emerge from this turbulent phase with a nucleus in place to contend for years to come. For a franchise that has wandered the wilderness for three decades, fans can only hope this latest reboot will be the one that finally bears fruit.
