Additionally, tight end John Bates, wide receiver Noah Brown, running back Austin Ekeler, and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. are all out, the latter two for the season. One of those absences sure didn't seem to phase the Commanders during the first half. Commanders' ground attack was dominant despite Austin Ekeler's absenceThe Commanders wasted no time on Sunday establishing the run, scoring a touchdown on the ground with a Mariota keeper on their first drive. The Commanders have run for 171 yards in the first half. The seventh-round rookie went for 22 yards on three carries, and the 2023 sixth-round pick saw six carries for 33 yards.