The outlook for the Washington Commanders backfield has gotten bleak. Jacory Croskey-Merritt currently leads the team with 67 rushing attempts for 239 yards and two touchdowns. However, the second-year running back has missed practice due to a groin injury, creating uncertainty around his availability for Week 6.
With Croskey-Merritt’s status in question and Austin Ekeler also dealing with a chest injury, Rachaad White could be in line for an expanded role against the San Francisco 49ers. Jeremy McNichols is another name to monitor after dealing with a quad injury, although his latest practice status should be checked before evaluating Washington’s available options.
Croskey-Merritt’s status will be worth monitoring as the week progresses, but if the 25-year-old cannot go, which running back will see the more significant increase in opportunities?
Does Rachaad White or Austin Ekeler Have Better Fantasy Value in Week 6?
Austin Ekeler was a late addition to the Commanders’ roster after injuries began to pile up. Through his first two games with the team, the 31-year-old has tallied seven carries for 28 yards and two receptions for 26 yards. The veteran has familiarity with Washington after previously playing for the organization, but his role since rejoining the team has been limited.
Ekeler’s value as a pass-catcher provides some appeal, particularly if Washington falls behind and needs to throw the ball more frequently. However, his limited involvement thus far and current chest injury create some uncertainty about his potential workload. He was also a limited participant in Thursday’s practice, making his status worth monitoring ahead of Monday night’s matchup.
Even with Croskey-Merritt potentially missing this game, Rachaad White has a clearer path to making his mark against San Francisco. White has totaled 118 rushing yards on 29 carries through Washington’s first four games in which he appeared, while adding 10 receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown through the air. The 27-year-old has generated 33.1 total fantasy points under DraftKings scoring, averaging approximately 8.3 points per game.
It also should be noted that this is an intimidating matchup with the 49ers. San Francisco is off to a 5-0 start to the season, and currently rank third in opponents points allowed and sixth in total yards conceded. They also rank 11th in total rushing yards conceded, eighth in net yards per rush attempt, and fourth in rushing touchdowns allowed. If the 49ers are able to take a lead, the game script will favor Washington needing to throw the ball at a greater rate. This could limit Washington’s rushing volume altogether.
The fact that this is a Monday Night matchup also provides some complications from a fantasy football perspective. Hopefully, the Commanders are able to come to a decision on Croskey-Merritt’s outlook sooner rather than later. But if you find yourself in the predicament of needing a handcuff for the final matchup of the week, White should be viewed as the more desirable back.
Expectations should be tempered for whichever running back sees the bulk of the opportunities this week. However, White has been with Washington since the start of training camp, is younger than Ekeler and has already demonstrated a larger role in the offense. He should be viewed as a FLEX option, with low-end RB2 potential in deeper leagues if Croskey-Merritt is inactive and White receives a significant increase in touches.
Opportunity remains one of the biggest indicators of fantasy production, and White could be the biggest beneficiary of Croskey-Merritt’s absence, even with the difficult matchup against San Francisco in mind.
