Austin Ekeler gives Grant & Lynnell a health update and thoughts on Commanders' clinching win
Austin Ekeler joined Grant Paulsen & Lynnell Willingham on Monday, a day earlier than normal due to the coming holiday schedule, so the excitement was palpable in discussing the Commanders winning against Atlanta on Sunday night and clinching a playoff berth.
“It was great, a great moment for us last night, got us a spot in the big dance coming up. I know we're looking forward to this next game versus Dallas and then we'll be on to the playoff picture,” Ekeler told Grant & Lynnell. “Some pretty incredible moments all around last night, for our team and the city. I gotta give a shout out to the fans and everyone that's been supporting us because last night, it felt like a playoff environment; really intense football going on and the crowd was very on top of it, standing the whole game, and -probably the loudest I've ever heard it in there. It’s been great just building this culture and bringing some new energy to watch the football.”
Ekeler knew when he signed with the Commanders that there was a new culture being installed and a chance to be part of something special, and even in a role where he was no longer an every down back, he was excited to contribute.
“You start looking around and you start seeing that there’s lot of guys that were not here last year, and it actually turned out to be a blessing, I think; one, because there were a lot of guys that didn't have established relationships yet, so a lot of us have been able to really bond and buy into a new culture, and two, because we got a lot of like guys that have been around, done some good things on good teams,” Ekeler said. “They may be later in their careers, but still know the game, can play at a good consistent level, can bring some leadership, can buy into a culture. That has been one of the key things that I think has really helped us put ourselves over the top as far as a culture standpoint. Obviously, Jayden going crazy and our defense stepping up has obviously helped, but I think it's part of the result of what we've been able to put together as far as the chemistry of our team. Shout out to Josh Harris and Adam Peters putting us together, because it's been a great ride.”
But, here’s what we really wanted to know as Ekeler finished the year in the final segment of the final G&D of 2024: he’s eligible to return from IR this week, so will he be back against Dallas, or for the Commanders’ playoff run?
“This is one category it's tough to talk about, just because you don't want to say something and something else happens, so it's kind of a week-to-week thing,” Ekeler said. “Unfortunately, right now that’s all I can really say on it, just so I can be in alignment with what is out there in the public, but my hope is that I can get back and make more contributions to this team, hopefully soon. There’s a lot of boxes that need to be checked with concussion protocol and that, but you don’t really know – you have to make sure the independent (neurologists) are taking their time and doing due diligence, and feel comfortable with you getting back on the field. That’s out of my control, so it’s a process; hurdles have been cleared, but that will tell me when I’m able to get back on the field.”
Take a listen to Ekeler’s entire visit, as he also discusses the advice he’s given Chris Rodriguez this year, of course the minutia of Sunday’s win, and much more!
