Chris Rodriguez made inactive solves Commanders RB situation

One of the looming mysteries for how the Washington Commanders will look in their season opener is running back. The running back room features several options following the trade of last year’s RB1 Brian Robinson. However, Sunday’s inactive list answered the direction the Commanders will go against the New York Giants.

While the unofficial depth chart listed rookie and this year’s fan-favorite Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt as fourth at the position, he’s expected to get several touches, per ESPN Jeremy Fowler. Additionally, last year’s fan-favorite Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be inactive Week 1.

The development will appease the “Bill” fanbase. However, leaving Rodriguez inactive on the surface is surprising. The Commanders’ running back room also features veterans Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols.

Ekeler expects to take the lead. Yet, his size, age, playing style, and recent injury history leave the door open for others to get the bulk of the backfield carries. McNichols is a solid pass protector, and arguably the team’s best.

Croskey-Meritt is a seventh-round pick who only appeared in one game last year in college at Arizona due to eligibility issues. However, he flashed in the preseason with 70 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He showed enough to get an entire fanbase behind him.

As for Rodriguez, it’s safe to assume his time will come. The former Kentucky standout was a sixth-round pick in 2023 under then-coach Ron Rivera. He battled back and forth on the roster last year under head coach Dan Quinn.

Rodriguez has been a key contributor in games. Last year, he had 11 carries and 52 yards against the Giants in Week 9. He also had a career-high 94 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Titans.

While Rodriguez worked this offseason to get faster on special teams, McNichols is a bigger contributor on special teams, having 214 snaps.

Other Inactives

The list of the Commanders’ inactive Week 1 includes offensive tackle Trent Scott, who caught quarterback Jayden Daniels’ first career touchdown pass. Also inactive are UCLA rookie linebackers Ale Kaho and Kain Medrano. Josh Johnson is inactive but will be the emergency quarterback.

Defense end Javontae Jean-Baptiste and offensive tackles Trent Scott and George Fant conclude the list of inactives.