Ekeler will undergo imaging Friday to confirm whether there’s structural damage. The 30-year-old looked visibly upset after walking off following the injury, and it would be a surprise if his 2025 campaign isn’t over. Jacorey Croskey-Merritt will almost assuredly be the starting running back going forward, with Jeremy McNichols operating as his backup. This could also lead to more touches in the backfield from Deebo Samuel, as well, and it’s possible the Commanders will look at the trade market for a potential replacement.

Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the third-year pro will miss “a lot of time.” LaFleur did say Reed should return at some point this season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports the “hope” is Reed misses “only” 6-8 weeks. The Packers have been up to their typical receiver rotation tricks through the first two weeks of 2025, but this might force LaFleur to start putting more on first-round rookie Matthew Golden’s plate. It could help that the Pack now have 10 days to prepare for Week 3 against the Browns. Still, that could prove to be wishcasting with a club that just doesn’t treat receiver the way most other teams do. Considering the aforementioned rotation and Reed’s famously streaky production, you could be hard pressed to stash him for the better part of two months even if you have an open I.R. spot.

Love had a third touchdown taken off the board early in the contest by a holding penalty, and on the same drive, he had a rare miss to Matthew Golden on fourth down that would have been a long score. It was still an excellent game for the 26-year-old; one where he once again spread the ball around with six different receivers catching passes; although it was Tucker Kraft (6-124-1) that made the biggest different. Love has looked good over these first two contests, and he should be able to find the end zone a time or two again when he squares off with the Browns in Week 3.

Rodriguez’s absence once again clears the way for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt to lead the Commanders’ rushing attack. Austin Ekeler led the backfield with 33 offensive snaps last week, though, and is the favorite to do so again, operating in his typical receiving-heavy role. The Commanders also declared P Mitch Wishnowsky, QB Josh Johnson, LB Ale Kaho, LB Kain Medrano, T Trent Scott and T George Fant inactive.

The Packers’ vaunted defense will have its new star pass rusher on the field. Unfortunately, the Packers declared CB Bo Melton, S Zayne Anderson, RT Zach Tom (oblique), LG Aaron Banks (ankle/groin), TE Ben Sims and DL Warren Brinson inactive. Losing both Tom and Banks hurts Jordan Love’s protection. It would be unsurprising to see the Packers dial up quick-hitting pass plays to help reduce pressure from Washington’s pass rush. On the plus side, Packers CB Nate Hobbs (knee) is active.

Jennings is now on the wrong side of questionable. He will need to practice in some capacity tomorrow if he is to suit up for Week 2 against the Saints. Perhaps, the only redeeming aspect of the 49ers’ brutal week is that their opponent is about as soft as one can hope for. Ricky Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey will be leaned upon in this one.

Bowers is “hoping to play” in Week 2 against the Chargers, but said that “we’ll see how it’s feeling throughout the week.” The Raiders are understandably giving Bowers an extra day off, with this week’s game scheduled for Monday night. The elite TE1’s practice participation on Friday and Saturday can tell us far more about his availability than today’s absence. In the meantime, for those who currently have Bowers in their starting lineup, stashing No. 2 TE Michael Mayer on fantasy benches is worthwhile. In Week 1, Bowers landed hard on his left knee after taking a hit to the right knee while running along the sideline. He was later seen limping with his left leg, and sported a sleeve on the left leg at today’s practice. It appears as though the fall was more of an issue than the direct hit.

Gardner dealt with a reported calf injury in August before appearing on the Week 1 injury report with a fibula issue. He practiced in full yesterday and was not on the injury report at all. The development suggests Gardner suffered the injury in practice today, but its severity is currently unknown. The Jets are tasked with containing the Bills’ passing game this weekend. Hopefully, Gardner is able to practice in some capacity tomorrow.

We assume this will be a full session based on beat reporter quotes, but even if it was a limited, McCaffrey is well on track to play against the Saints on Sunday. He should get an easy RB1 workload and the 49ers will desperately need him to deliver production with George Kittle and Brock Purdy out and Jauan Jennings’ status still under some question.

Two limited sessions put London on track to play, but it also suggests he may be a little sore. London should again lead his team in target share against the Vikings. Downfield WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is trending toward making his 2025 debut, which should keep safeties honest against London. He’s a WR1 in Week 2.