McNichols out with quad injury

He’ll likely be Washington’s third-string back tonight, but one thing that two years and five weeks of Dan Quinn being in charge have taught us is that no one ever expects that Jeremy McNichols takeover until it’s too late. The backfield mix in Washington is weak and anyone could emerge in a post-'Bill’ world.

Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) are both ailing, though the latter player sat out entirely. Rachaad White (shoulder) and Jeremy McNichols (quad) are both practicing in full. Croskey-Merritt is the only fantasy-relevant Commanders running back at this time, assuming he is good to go on Monday night.

McNichols will start the season sidelined with a linger quad injury he suffered in mid-August. Used primarily as a pass-catching back, McNichols could see playing time later this season if Rachaad White or Jacory Croskey-Merritt miss any time. He will miss at least the first four games of the season and should remain on waivers.

McNichols probably is no higher than fourth on the depth chart in Washington behind ‘Bill,’ Rachaad White, and Kaytron Allen. Missing time due to injury doesn’t bode well for him making the initial 53-man roster.

Whether Croskey-Merritt can participate in the Commanders’ three-day mandatory minicamp, from June 16-18, is unknown. That said, Standig believes RB coach Anthony Lynn’s “positivity is notable.” Lynn thinks the team can take Croskey-Merritt’s game “to another level and get him potentially in the lead role.” To do this, Croskey-Merritt must take on more responsibility in the passing game this summer. Lynn adds that the young back’s “hands are very good, his movement skills are very good, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t win routes.” The staff is happy with its new-look backfield, but Standing writes that RBs Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford “are not high-volume playmaking threats,” like “Bill” is, and rookie RB Allen is still getting up to speed. Once Croskey-Merritt arrives, he must prove that he can meaningfully contribute as a receiver and as a pass protector. Doing so would unlock a fantasy-friendly role.

McNichols is the third running back to sign with Washington in recent days. The 30-year-old vet has been used sparingly over the last two seasons with the Commanders, but has totaled 705 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 133 touches. McNichols would likely have a camp battle with Jerome Ford to play on passing downs on the current depth chart, meaning he could be in some risk of starting off the year on the practice squad. But after playing 34 games with the Commanders the last two years, we think it’s clear the current administration thinks highly of him.

McNichols spent the season as the Commanders’ pass-catching back after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles at the beginning of the season. He broke several tackles on a Beast Mode-esque 60-yard touchdown run in Week 3; that run was his only rushing touchdown and accounted for 27 percent of his rushing yards for the season. McNichols totaled 44 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown on the ground but often saw more passing-down snaps than rushing snaps, adding 25 receptions for 196 yards through the air. He will be a free agent heading into the offseason and could find a home as a pass-catching depth piece for a team’s backfield.

He wasn’t targeted in the passing game. With Chris Rodriguez unavailable due to a grain injury, Croskey-Merritt was the bellcow for the Commanders. He outrushed Jeremy McNichols by 91 yards (nine attempts for five yards) and McNichols also lost a fumble. The rookie tailback reached 90 yards for the first time since Week 5, and it seems likely he’ll see a similar amount of touches in Week 16 against the Eagles if Rodriguez can’t get healthy for that matchup.

McNichols led the Washington backs in catches but finished third on the team in rush attempts. He has a minor role through the air and doesn’t see much work on the ground. McNichols is more of a thorn in the side of the other Washington backs than a standalone fantasy asset. He is not worth holding onto through the team’s Week 12 bye.

Croskey-Merritt was out-gained by quarterback Marcus Mariota on the ground while fellow running back Jeremy McNichols led the team in receiving. It was an all-around poor showing by the Commanders after taking a 7-7 game into the half. Croskey-Merritt faces another difficult challenge against the Seahawks in Week 9, where he can’t be counted on as more than a FLEX play by fantasy managers.