5 running backs the Commanders could sign amid potential injury crisis

Commanders could sign Jerick McKinnon

If the Washington Commanders decide on something bolder to give them a fresh spark down the stretch, an outside influence will be considered by general manager Adam Peters. Options are thin on the ground at this stage of the campaign. Jerick McKinnon is arguably the best remaining option on the market right now.

McKinnon didn't get another look with the Kansas City Chiefs this season. That was enough for others to also look the other way, which seems strange when one considers his decent dual-threat output when called upon throughout his career.

The former third-round pick accumulated 4,698 all-purpose yards and 34 combined touchdowns in eight seasons. McKinnon is no spring chicken at 32 years old and hasn't played in 2024. Conditioning would be the biggest question mark, but the player is experienced enough to step into the breach if the Commanders are forced to move forward without Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.

This seems like a long shot all things considered. However, the benefits of having someone experienced who's won two Super Bowls would be immense with the Commanders' postseason fortunes hanging by a thread.

Commanders could sign Jermar Jefferson

• Detroit Lions practice squad

The Commanders could also sign someone to their active roster from a practice squad elsewhere around the league. This would be a last resort of sorts for general manager Adam Peters, but something he'll contemplate depending on the respective statuses of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.

Jermar Jefferson is currently on the Detroit Lions practice squad. He was a highly productive backfield threat during his time in college at Oregon State, gaining 2,923 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in three years with the Beavers en route to becoming a seventh-round pick.

The last and only time Jefferson's been involved competitively in an NFL setting came during the 2021 campaign, where he gained an encouraging 4.9 yards per carry. Detroit has Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as the established starting tandem, which makes things difficult for anyone else looking to establish themselves.

This would be a shot in the dark considering Jefferson's lack of involvement. He'll be fresh and at prime fitness levels, so there are far worse options the Commanders can explore if those in power are forced to seek alternatives.