Commanders Navigate Running Back Shuffle After Ekeler’s Injury
The Washington Commanders are facing a significant shift in their backfield following the season-ending injury to veteran running back Austin Ekeler. The injury, a torn Achilles, occurred during Week 2 and abruptly halted Ekeler’s second season in Washington. With his exit, many anticipated that Jacory Croskey-Merritt would seize the opportunity for a substantial workload.
Ekeler’s Departure Opens Doors
In the initial weeks of the season, Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt shared the responsibilities in the backfield. However, now the focus has shifted to Chris Rodriguez, who is expected to take over the snaps left vacant by Ekeler’s unfortunate injury.
Early in Week 3, during the matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Rodriguez was named the starter and began receiving the majority of the early touches, causing fans to wonder how this would impact Croskey-Merritt’s role.
Croskey-Merritt’s Situation
Jacory Croskey-Merritt remains active and healthy, yet his presence on the field has been limited. This trend has been evident throughout the Commanders’ first two games, where he only saw action during the team’s third offensive drive. Fans are hopeful that this pattern will change in Week 3, with aspirations to see the rookie take the field earlier, potentially during the second drive.
Looking Ahead
As the Commanders navigate this transitional phase, the effectiveness of both Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt will be under scrutiny. The team is not only adjusting to the loss of Ekeler but is also evaluating how best to utilize the talent in their backfield moving forward. The stakes are high, and every game is a chance for players like Croskey-Merritt to prove their worth in the NFL landscape.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Commanders manage their running back depth and whether Croskey-Merritt can break through and make a significant impact.
