Injury Struggles for Commanders Ahead of Falcons Showdown
As the Washington Commanders gear up for their pivotal Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, they find themselves grappling with a series of significant injuries on the offensive front. The team has already been dealt a tough hand, losing starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. To complicate matters further, rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s status was uncertain as he joined the injury report for the first time this season.
Croskey-Merritt’s Recovery Journey
Croskey-Merritt did not participate in practice on either Wednesday or Thursday, raising concerns about his availability for Sunday’s game. However, a promising development emerged when he returned to full practice on Friday. This turnaround offered a glimmer of hope for the Commanders’ offense, which has been struggling to find its rhythm amidst these injuries.
Confirmation of Play Against Falcons
The latest reports indicate that Croskey-Merritt is expected to take the field against the Falcons despite his earlier questionable designation due to a knee injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted, “Commanders rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a knee injury, is expected to play vs. the Falcons, per source.” This affirmation came as a relief to fans and the coaching staff alike, especially following his full practice session on Friday, which strongly suggested he would be ready to contribute.
Evaluating Croskey-Merritt’s Performance
In the wake of Austin Ekeler’s season-ending injury, many anticipated that Croskey-Merritt would see an uptick in touches. However, his involvement in the offense has not met those expectations; he recorded only nine touches in Week 3, marking his second-lowest total of the season. In that game, he managed just 26 rushing yards but did find the end zone for the second time this year, showing his potential to impact the game even when opportunities are limited.
With Croskey-Merritt set to play, the Commanders will look to him to help stabilize their offense against a formidable Falcons team. As the season progresses, his ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial for Washington’s ambitions.
