5 running backs the Commanders could sign amid potential injury crisis
By Dean Jones
As if things weren't bad enough for the Washington Commanders right now. They are on a three-game losing run and potentially dealing with an injury crisis in their running back room to further complicate matters.
Brian Robinson Jr. rolled his ankle on the first play against the Dallas Cowboys. He was able to come back into the game, but something was missing. His status moving forward is in doubt, so keeping an eye on his progress throughout the week will provide a broader indication of the former third-round selection's recovery.
Veteran dual-threat Austin Ekeler was involved in a scary incident late in the game, suffering a violent hit on a kick return that left him motionless initially. Although the initial prognosis was positive, the Colorado State product is in the NFL's concussion protocol and might not feature before or after the bye week.
If Robinson and Ekeler are unavailable, the Commanders must have a sufficient contingency plan in place. General manager Adam Peters will react accordingly. But the team cannot go into a crucial Week 13 clash versus the Tennessee Titans with only Jeremy McNichols to depend upon.
With this in mind, here are five running backs the Commanders could sign amid their potential injury crisis at the position.
Running backs the Commanders could sign amid potential injury crisis
Commanders could sign Chris Rodriguez Jr.
This seems like the most obvious candidate.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was released recently to make way for returning edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste. If the prognosis surrounding Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler demands another transaction, the former sixth-round selection could return to the fold.
Rodriguez ran well during his only legitimate taste of regular-season action in Washington. He gained 52 rushing yards from 11 carries at the New York Giants. The Kentucky product also knows Kliff Kingsbury's schematic demands well enough to step in at a moment's notice to make a lasting contribution.
Having this familiarity can only help the Commanders. It takes time for new additions to hit their stride. Washington would need immediate assistance if Robinson and Ekeler cannot go.
Nobody will be expecting miracles from Rodriguez. However, he's a physical runner capable of gaining yards methodically. That's all the Commanders are probably looking for until their backfield starting duo are healthy enough to participate.
At the very least, Rodriguez could come back as a contingency plan. That seems like the smartest course of action right now, but much will depend on how Robinson and Ekeler progress throughout the week.