The Washington Commanders' offensive backfield has been all the talk as the NFL trade deadline approaches next week, with names such as Jonathan Taylor, Tony Pollard, and Breece Hall all brought up as potential fits. But the guys currently in the room have one week to change those plans.
Rachaad White is currently Washington's lead back with Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve.
And with a strong performance against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, he could give the Commanders reason to reconsider a move.
Rachaad White has never needed a breakout game more than he does right now
The Commanders signed White hoping for a complementary passing-down back, but he's only totaled 88 receiving yards on 16 catches this season. He hasn't been the explosive weapon he was at times with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though he has been effective in goal-line situations with three touchdowns.
White will need to do something more than that if he wants to remain in his current role.
He'll need to build on his performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, in which he had his most carries of the season (11) and his longest run of the season (33 yards) in addition to a late score.
White hasn't accumulated more than 100 yards from scrimmage in any game this season, with 83 against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 being his high. Sunday would be a wonderful time to change that against a difficult opponent.
Rams' defense is hitting its stride, which isn't good news for the Commanders' run game
The Rams have stuffed opposing running backs in the past two weeks, allowing only a combined 112 rushing yards in wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. And now they might be getting two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett back.
This is a team pegged as a Super Bowl favorite prior to the year that started slow, but has found some momentum. And if Washington is going to pull out the win, everybody is going to need to get involved.
White has a chance to make a statement for Washington this week. If the Commanders can establish an advantage and have quarterback Jayden Daniels use his dual-threat abilities to set the tone, it will open up the opportunity for the backfield to do the rest.
Washington's running backs have struggled to make an impact this year. Now, there's one more chance to change that before general manager Adam Peters is forced to call for outside help.
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