Rachaad White - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders won't have running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt available in Week 6. He's dealing with a groin issue and didn't practice much this week, leaving head coach Dan Quinn with no choice but to rule him out.
This is a blow, especially given Croskey-Merritt is coming off his best performance of the campaign. Others have to fill the void effectively, which brings Rachaad White firmly under the microscope.
White has underwhelmed so far, though it's worth remembering he is also fighting his way through a shoulder problem. Not ideal, but the Commanders need him to be a focal point here to control the clock.
When White is firing on all cylinders, he is a genuine dual-threat capable of generating yards on the ground or through the air. He has prior chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time together in college, which should be serving him better than it currently is.
The Commanders are counting on White. He must produce with increased responsibilities.
Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S
The Commanders' secondary will get a major boost if safety Nick Cross returns to the lineup. He's missed the last three games with an internal injury, but Washington ramped up his practice work this week to get him involved.
This will make things easier for everybody. Cross is a tone-setter on the defensive back end, and his presence has been sorely missed so far. But given the seriousness of his health issue and the strength of San Francisco's offense, he cannot do it alone.
Jeremy Reaves has to come through. The veteran safety is an inspirational leader, but his production has been sketchy through five games. There is still time for that to change, but the Niners will have no trouble exposing him as a weak link if the same frailties emerge in prime time.
With Mike Sainristil also getting work at safety last weekend, Reaves has added urgency. And he must deliver when it counts.
David Blough - Commanders OC
While Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels took most of the criticism for their inept game management in the tie with the New York Giants, offensive coordinator David Blough was also complicit in the team's failure. He knew it, but his head coach shielded him from the firing line.
That's what all good leaders do. But as the play-caller and Daniels' primary line of communication, Blough had to make his quarterback more aware of the situation.
Blough is a rookie coordinator, so he's still learning on the job. There has been far more good than bad so far, but responding positively to such an embarrassing incident is crucial to keep doubters from growing even more.
The Commanders have faith in Blough. Mistakes happen. How you bounce back will tell you a lot, and the former quarterback will need to adjust accordingly against a Niners defense capable of making things extremely difficult.
Add us as a preferred source on Google