NFL Player Reveals Devastating Effects of Concussion
Austin Ekeler, 29, the Washington Commanders running back who suffered a concussion on Nov. 24, says he’s experiencing lasting symptoms from his injury, he told Washington D.C.’s 106.7 The Fan during his weekly appearance on the program.
Explaining that he’s "definitely going through it,” dealing with a general “fogginess” and chronic neck pain, Ekeler reported that his loss of memories is most troubling. “I didn’t even remember how I got off the field,” he admitted.
“I just remember coming to…as far as remembering stuff, I had short-term memory loss. I remember my wife was sitting in the room, and I’m getting evaluated by our medical staff in the back room,” he continued. “That’s when I started to remember things, and then all of a sudden, OK, we’re getting in the back of the ambulance to go get a CT scan.”
Ekeler recalled sustaining similar symptoms following a separate concussion earlier this year during a match with the Bengals. Due to his most recent injury, the player has yet to pass the NFL’s concussion protocol. However, he feels he’s “getting there.”
“The protocols are there and they’re rigorous for a reason to protect the players and keep them safe,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn told the press last week. “And so, just on a case-by-case basis, we’ll follow that all the way through.”
The Commanders are well on their way to the playoffs, with matches against the Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons and Saints ahead of them.