3 running backs Commanders can sign after JD McKissic’s departure
By Jerry Trotta
2. Justin Jackson
With Antonio Gibson solidifying himself as one of the top running backs in the NFC last season, the Commanders can afford to shop for players who’ve been backups for the majority of their careers. That’s where Justin Jackson comes in.
Having been trapped behind Melvin Gordon and then Austin Ekeler over his four seasons with the Chargers, football fans have never gotten a glimpse of how Jackson would fare in an expanded role. Fantasy football managers are fully aware of this if they drafted Jackson as a handcuff to Gordon or Ekeler.
Nevertheless, Jackson is one one of the most reliable backup options still available. He’s only logged 271 touches in his career, but he’s been efficient when called upon, averaging a clean 5.0 yards per carry over 206 totes to go with 7.8 yards per reception, 21 first downs and a 82.3% catch rate as a receiver.
The Chargers still have Joshua Kelley and Larry Roundtree III on the roster as Ekeler’s primary backups, so it’s unclear whether they intend on re-signing Jackson. If we were in Washington’s shoes, we wouldn’t sit around waiting to find out.
In 2021, Jackson enjoyed his finest season to date, rushing 68 times for 364 yards and two touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry.