Commanders' Ekeler will play, Robinson's status against Browns is unclear

ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has cleared concussion protocol and will play Sunday, but running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s status is less certain.

Ekeler missed Sunday's win at Arizona due to a concussion, but was not expected to be listed on Washington's game status report Friday afternoon.

“Austin is doing great; he had a really good week,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said.

But Quinn said Robinson is listed as questionable and a decision will be in play.

“Brian’s trendy,” Quinn said, “but he’s doing great.”

Robinson was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a right knee injury. He was at training on Friday and said afterwards: “I feel a lot better than I did at the start of the week.” He later tweeted a thumbs-up emoji.

But the Commanders (3-1) will be without receiver Noah Brown (groin) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) for Sunday's game against Cleveland (1-3). This will be Ferrell's third straight missed game.

Ekeler has been optimistic all week and said Wednesday that he is “absolutely” on track to play Sunday. Ekeler suffered the concussion in the third quarter of their Week 3 win over Cincinnati. In his first two or more games, Ekeler caught nine passes for 121 yards and rushed 13 times for an additional 83 yards. He also returned the first kickoff of the second half 62 yards against the Bengals.

Last week, Ekeler's replacement, Jeremy McNichols, ran eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Arizona.

If Robinson can't play, Washington would have to bring a running back from the practice squad – whether it's Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Michael Wiley. Robinson was Washington's primary defender, with Ekeler serving as the third defender. Robinson passed for 307 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

In three games with Washington, Brown caught nine passes for 111 yards and was also praised for his blocking. The Commanders have often said they have a rotation of players who can serve as the No. 2 receiver alongside Terry McLaurin.

Last week, Olamide Zaccheaus caught six passes for 85 yards. Washington also has freshman Luke McCaffrey and veteran Dyami Brown. These two combined to catch 12 passes for 116 yards.