The Washington Commanders' rushing attack will be without Jacory Croskey-Merritt for their Monday Night Football showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. He's dealing with a groin injury, and head coach Dan Quinn had no choice but to rule him out after he missed practice all week.
Though disappointing, especially considering Croskey-Merritt is coming off his most productive game of the season, others have to step up. This means more is required of free-agent signing Rachaad White, who's not quite met expectations so far.
White was an intriguing addition to the Commanders' ranks in free agency. He bet on himself with a one-year, $2 million deal, and his previous connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time at Arizona State added another layer of intrigue.
Rachaad White must step up for Commanders with Jacory Croskey-Merritt out
Things looked promising for White after a strong summer. He has yet to carry that form into the regular season, though it's also worth remembering he is currently dealing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts in London.
The Commanders have other options. But with Croskey-Merritt out, White goes from a complementary piece to the main man in Washington's backfield.
And he must seize the opportunity.
White has done well previously as the lead back. He emerged as a legitimate dual-threat weapon during his four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even though his influence diminished when Bucky Irving soared, that experience should serve him well.
Hopefully, Croskey-Merritt won't be out for too long. But Quinn didn't know for sure.
Until then, the Commanders will just have to hope White and others can shoulder the burden.
A once-crowded running back dynamic is starting to look a little less crowded now.
Commanders' once-crowded running back room has thinned out
Croskey-Merritt is hurt. Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen was surprisingly waived and quickly scooped up by the Miami Dolphins. The Seattle Seahawks signed Robert Henry Jr. off the practice squad, but at least Jeremy McNichols is nearing a return.
But with Austin Ekeler barely practicing this week because of a chest issue, the Commanders will rely heavily on Daniels to gain yards on the ground.
That is not a recipe for success, given his elbow issues. White must take the heat off his old college teammate by setting the tone. It's not a simple task against the San Francisco 49ers' defense, but it's not impossible.
White must lead from the front. He may not be at 100 percent, but he just has to suck it up and come through for his team.
Daniels and offensive coordinator David Blough are expecting nothing less.
Ekeler will have a role. McNichols could feature after being listed as questionable, and Daniels' rushing ability needs no introduction.
But if the Commanders want to avoid becoming one-dimensional or over-reliant on their quarterback, White has to become a legitimate three-down force this week.
That won't be the case when Croskey-Merritt gets the all-clear to feature again, potentially after the bye week. But it has to happen at Levi's Stadium.
And who knows, perhaps this elevated role will be enough to kickstart White's campaign at long last.
Add us as a preferred source on Google