RADIO
Austin Ekeler Should Continue to Get Touches Vs. Rams
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should get a fair number of snaps and touches in a Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Rams. With running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) currently on injured reserve, and fellow tailback Jeremy McNichols (foot) recently suffering a season-ending foot injury, the Commanders will rely heavily on Ekeler and Rachaad White. The Commanders also recently claimed rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. off of waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. Most recently, Ekeler played 20 offensive snaps in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles, compared to 28 for White. Ekeler rushed the ball eight times for 36 yards (4.5 yards per carry). White led the Commanders' ground attack with 11 carries for 55 yards (5.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown, while adding two receptions for five yards. While White is likely the preferred ball carrier, Ekeler should remain involved against the Rams. Los Angeles allows 109.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks 14th in the NFL. Ekeler ranks as RotoBaller's No. 40 running back for Week 9. He has some flex appeal, but there are likely better options available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rachaad White Profiles as Solid RB2 in Week 9 Against Rams
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White has operated as the team's lead back since Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was placed on IR ahead of Week 6. White has scored 15.7 and 14 PPR points in two games since, catching multiple passes and finding the end zone in both games. The 27-year-old handled a season-high 11 carries for 55 yards in last week's win over the Eagles and should continue to lead the backfield in touches while Austin Ekeler mixes in. White profiles as a solid RB2 in Week 9 against the Rams, who have allowed the 12th fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, though they have also allowed the third most catches (44) to running backs, which could set White up for another productive performance. White ranks as RotoBaller's RB24 in PPR leagues for Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacory Croskey-Merritt to Be Useful Upon Return?
While the Washington Commanders have not offered a recent update on injured running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), he's still worth holding in redraft leagues. Croskey-Merritt was coming off his best outing of the campaign in a tie with the Giants in Week 5. Unfortunately, he aggravated a nagging pre-season groin injury in the draw and was placed on injured reserve later that week. In the two games since, backfield mate Rachaad White has led the charge, but he isn't nearly as effective as Croskey-Merritt. Furthermore, White has never profiled as an efficient early-down grinder, a role the latter appeared to be settling into nicely before he was shelved. For now, the second-year pro won't be back until at least Week 11, which is unideal for fantasy. However, he figures to lead the backfield in rushing upon his return, and Washington's offense has been gaining momentum under quarterback Jayden Daniels' direction. Croskey-Merritt is a worthwhile hold.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rachaad White's Declining Snap Share Raises Concerns
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White's stats looked solid on the surface in Week 8. However, a late score helped, and more concerning, White's snap share dropped from 64.5 percent in Weeks 5 and 6 to just 47 percent in Week 8. Veteran Austin Ekeler's snap share rose to 33 percent during this time, meaning less work for White. On the season, White has paid off for fantasy managers, scoring 10 or more fantasy points in four of six contests; but the production has been very touchdown-dependent, having scored three touchdowns on the season. The biggest issue with White is that, even with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on the IR, White hasn't seen a full bell-cow role and appears to be in a split backfield with Ekeler. The Week 9 matchup is also difficult: the Commanders take on the Rams, who rank top-10 in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeremy McNichols Goes on IR, Not Expected Back This Season
The Washington Commanders placed running back Jeremy McNichols (foot) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, and he is not expected to return this season, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. It is the second time this year that McNichols has been on IR, and it will also be the last. The 30-year-old veteran injured his foot in the third quarter of the Sunday night win over the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles and never returned. He will finish his ninth year in the NFL (third with the Commanders) with only 10 carries for 34 yards and one reception for a seven-yard gain in just two games played. The Commanders also have second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on Injured Reserve, so they are now down to Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler as their primary RBs as they head into a Week 9 contest at home against the Los Angeles Rams. With Croskey-Merritt out for at least three more games, one of Craig Reynolds or Devin Neal will likely be promoted to the active roster for this weekend's game.
Source: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
Source: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
Jeremy McNichols Expected to Miss Multiple Months With Foot Injury
While Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (foot) is getting additional opinions on his foot injury on Tuesday, he is expected to miss multiple months, a source told Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) is already on Injured Reserve, so Washington's healthy RBs are now Rachaad White, Austin Ekeler, Craig Reynolds, and Devin Neal. The 30-year-old McNichols injured his foot in the third quarter of the Sunday night win over the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 and never returned, and now it looks like he could miss the rest of the 2026 regular season. Croskey-Merritt will miss at least three more games, which makes White the Commanders' clear RB1 going forward, although he should continue to split backfield work with Ekeler. McNichols was not on the fantasy radar, outside of deep leagues, even with JCM injured. He had 10 carries for 34 yards in his two games played this year and failed to go over 261 yards rushing in either of his first two seasons with the Commanders. McNichols' injury makes Ekeler more attractive as a deep-league waiver-wire pickup going into a Week 9 tilt against the Los Angeles Rams.
Source: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
Source: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
Jeremy McNichols' Injury Could Prompt Commanders to Add Running Back
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (foot) is undergoing further evaluation after suffering a midfoot injury during Sunday's 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Dan Quinn indicated Monday that Washington could explore signing a free agent or promoting someone from its practice squad, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. McNichols exited in the third quarter after rushing for 21 yards on five carries and catching one pass for seven yards. His injury leaves Washington thin in the backfield, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) already on injured reserve. Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler are the team's remaining healthy running backs on the active roster, while Devin Neal and Craig Reynolds are available on the practice squad. White led Washington with 55 rushing yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia, while Ekeler contributed 36 yards on eight carries. White carries the stronger immediate fantasy appeal if McNichols misses time, although Washington's potential roster addition could affect the backfield rotation.
Source: JP Finalay
Source: JP Finalay
Commanders Concerned Jeremy McNichols' Foot Injury is "Serious"
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that running back Jeremy McNichols (foot) has a "mid-foot" injury, and the team is "concerned it's serious," according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. McNichols suffered the foot injury in the second half of the Sunday night win over the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles and did not return. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on Injured Reserve, Washington's backfield depth is thinning out, with Rachaad White and veteran Austin Ekeler now the top two backs as the team heads into a Week 9 matchup at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old McNichols will almost certainly not be available this weekend, and he could join Croskey-Merritt on IR. The Commanders have Devin Neal and Craig Reynolds on their practice squad, and one of those RBs is expected to be elevated to the active roster for Week 9. McNichols has only appeared in two games this year due to injury and has 10 carries for 34 yards (3.4 yards per attempt) while catching his only target for seven yards.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Jeremy McNichols Questionable to Return with Foot Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (foot) is considered questionable to return during Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. McNichols was forced to exit during the second half of this game due to a foot issue, and it's unclear if he'll be able to finish out this game. Before leaving, McNichols carried the ball five times for 21 yards and also hauled in one pass for seven additional yards through the air. If he's unable to return, Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler will see a slight uptick in workload over the final quarter of this game.
Source: Zach Selby
Source: Zach Selby
Rachaad White's Week 8 Workload Remains a Question Mark
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White has yet to exceed eight carries in a game this season, but Jacory Croskey-Merritt's (groin) placement on injured reserve gives him an opportunity to change that against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. White played 70.5% of the offensive snaps with Croskey-Merritt sidelined in Week 6, yet received just seven carries for 27 yards. His four receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown helped make that outing productive for PPR managers, while Philadelphia's defense allowed Javonte Williams to rush for 155 yards and a score in Week 7. The matchup offers some encouragement, although head coach Dan Quinn has indicated that Washington plans to increase Austin Ekeler's involvement, with Jeremy McNichols also available. White carries no Week 8 injury designation and sits at RB18 in RotoBaller's updated PPR rankings. His receiving ability and opportunity to lead the backfield make him a reasonable RB2 consideration, particularly in PPR leagues, even if the rushing workload remains difficult to project.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler a Dart Throw in PPR Leagues for Week 8
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler lacks rushing upside, but he could carve out enough receiving volume to get onto the fringe of the fantasy radar in PPR leagues for Week 8. The Commanders have placed Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on injured reserve, bumping Ekeler up to the No. 2 running back role behind Rachaad White for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although White has a pass-catching background, similar to Ekeler, the Commanders may choose to restructure his role while he temporarily fills in for Croskey-Merritt. If White gets more early-down rushing work, then this will open the door for Ekeler to rotate in on passing downs, giving him some intrigue in PPR leagues. His ceiling is capped, but we do think he has a decent chance to eclipse his previous season-high snap share of 27%. We'd rather find a safer option for the RB3/flex spot this week, but he at least warrants a little bit of consideration in PPR leagues with 14+ teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rachaad White In RB2 Territory for Sunday Night Against Eagles
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White should be in line to lead the backfield again in Week 8 with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on injured reserve. White played a season-high 70.5% of snaps in Week 6 with Croskey-Merritt out, handling seven carries for 27 yards and four catches (five targets) for 30 yards and a touchdown. Veterans Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols will both see snaps, though White should get most of the work. Washington has struggled to run the ball effectively this season, with 46.8% of its carries being contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage, third-worst in the league per Fantasy Points Data. White has never been known for efficiency as a runner. However, he looks to have consolidated work in a solid Washington offense with Jayden Daniels back and playing well, while also adding value as a receiver. The Eagles aren't an overly daunting matchup, ranking 17th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs but have also given up the fourth-fewest receptions to running backs this season. White should see enough volume with a good shot at finding the end zone on Sunday night and ranks as a solid RB2 for Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler's Role Increases Coming Out of the Bye Week
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should have a larger role on offense following the team's Week 7 bye. Ekeler has yet to play more than 27% of the snaps in any of these three games with the Commanders so far this year, but that could change in Week 8 as he steps into a larger role with Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) officially landing on injured reserve. The 31-year-old is particularly worth monitoring in PPR leagues, given his long track record of catching passes out of the backfield at the NFL level. While Washington already had Rachaad White in a similar role, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Commanders give White more of Croskey-Merritt's vacated carries, and then, in an effort to keep White's workload in check, give more receiving volume to Ekeler. Whether it's enough to get him on the flex/RB3 radar remains to be seen, but at the very least, the veteran pass-catching back is on the streaming radar for the duration of Croskey-Merritt's absence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rachaad White is a Decent Streaming Option for Week 8
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is expected to remain the lead back ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fellow back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) is still on the Injured Reserve, so White should continue seeing a larger role in the backfield. In Week 6, White carried the ball seven times for 27 yards, but he did most of his damage in the receiving game. White hauled in four of his five targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old is a dual-threat back who could help needy fantasy managers in Week 8. There's probably not a ton of long-term value here with White, but he'll be a decent flex option for this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jeremy McNichols A Deep-League Option After Return From IR
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols was activated from IR before the team's Week 6 loss to the 49ers and could be in the mix at the position as the Commanders return from a Week 7 bye. McNichols landed on IR with a lingering quad injury he suffered in mid-August, and he played 12 snaps (18%) in his return, taking five carries for 13 yards in San Francisco. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) placed on IR and not eligible to return until Week 11 at the earliest, McNichols will likely mix in with veterans Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler for the next few weeks. McNichols could be the favorite for short-yardage and early down work, which gives him touchdown-dependent potential if the Washington offense gets going. The Commanders host the Eagles on Sunday Night Football of Week 8 in a favorable matchup, so McNichols is worth a look if you are in a deep league and need running back help.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
