The Commanders’ early-season roster churn continued Monday. Linebacker Leo Chenal, who left Sunday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks with a neck injury, will undergo season-ending surgery, according to multiple reports.
The franchise also signed free agent running back Austin Ekeler to the 53-man roster, a source familiar with the negotiation confirmed.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn and General Manager Adam Peters face a series of roster decisions in the 48 hours between Sunday’s victory and Tuesday night’s flight to London, where Washington will face the Indianapolis Colts.
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Starters such as linebacker Frankie Luvu, tight end Chig Okonkwo, safety Nick Cross, quarterback Jayden Daniels and right guard Sam Cosmi missed Week 3 due to injuries. Chenal left the game in the first half — he was strapped to a backboard and taken to an area hospital with a scary neck injury.
Running back Rachaad White was temporarily sidelined against the Seahawks with a shoulder issue, though he later returned to the field and finished the game.
Ekeler would provide some insurance behind White as a similarly reliable pass-catching option. The 31-year-old spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons in Washington, appearing in 14 games with 410 rushing yards and 404 receiving yards.
Washington’s running back depth was already limited in the preseason by an injury to veteran Jeremy McNichols, who remains on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury.
The 1-2 Commanders look to reach the .500 mark Sunday when they kick off against the Colts at 9:30 a.m. EDT.
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