The Washington Commanders have had a relatively significant injury crisis so far this season. This was an overlooked factor in their success, but they face a potential complication in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens.

Brian Robinson Jr. hasn’t practiced all week because of his knee problem and is considered questionable for the game. In the last game against the Cleveland Browns, he wasn’t used as much to avoid ongoing problems. However, the fact that he hasn’t stepped foot on the practice field once raises some serious red flags.

Even if Robinson performs, he may not be the formidable force that fans saw in the first three contests of the campaign. That means veteran free agent signing Austin Ekeler will have to prepare for a heavy workload against the league’s best run defense at M&T Bank Stadium.

Ekeler wanted his next target to already have an established young running back. This comes with reduced and slightly altered responsibilities that focus more on impacting the passing game than on racking up yards on the ground.

The commanders gave Ekeler only 19 missions in the first five competitions. He averages 7.9 yards per carry, so keeping him fresh and picking player spots seems to be working well. But with Robinson not yet at 100 percent, the former undrafted free agent will need to become one of the team’s focal points in the backfield alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

This is a big game for big artists. Ekeler shined when the spotlight shone brightest during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. This is what commanders must rely on, whether Robinson is active or not.

It will be difficult to establish the run against the Ravens. They are allowing just 60.4 rushing yards per game through five weeks. Their defensive front is loaded with talent, complemented by an outstanding second level led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith. Not every game will bring a big win. But Washington can’t give up the run to keep the defense honest.

Ekeler knows he could play a crucial role. The Western Colorado product has maximized almost every touch of the ball so far and has even become a force in the return game along the way. The Commanders won’t often task him with 20 to 30 touches per game in 2024. This may have to be one of them if Robinson can’t go.

Jeremy McNichols should also see some work. He has shown great promise over the last two weeks and will be there in some capacity. However, Ekeler’s role will be more important given his past performances and his ability to conjure magic when the stakes are the most.

Commanders are taking every precaution possible with Robinson, knowing he will be needed as the campaign progresses as expectations of the team’s short-term goals grow. If the former third-round pick from Alabama hesitates at all, it will do more harm than good when facing quality opponents.

For this reason, the commanders signed Ekeler. It’s time to remind the NFL why he was once considered one of the league’s most prolific dual-threat weapons. Nothing else will do.

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