NFL insider validates Commanders fans' suspicion about overshadowed injury

There are so many injury problems around the Washington Commanders right now. It's been hard for fans to keep up, with a new complication seemingly coming along every day to throw the team's playoff hopes into increasing doubt.

Some are generating more attention than others. Superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels' status for Week 4 remains in doubt despite his limited return to practice. Concerns are also growing around wide receiver Terry McLaurin, whose quad injury could be more complex than initially feared.

Several players are already on injured reserve or have been ruled out for the season. John Bates and Noah Brown look set to miss a second-straight game. If that wasn't bad enough, Jacory Croskey-Merritt's presence on the injury report this week brought even more worries across the fan base.

Commanders are rightfully being cautious with Jacory Croskey-Merritt's knee soreness

Croskey-Merrit has surged from a seventh-round afterthought to an essential part of the team's plans. The running back is far from the finished article, but his relentless drive and ability to seize the moment made him an instant fan favorite. With Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler now out of the equation, the rookie should get ample chances to cement his status as the campaign progresses.

The No. 245 overall selection was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Croskey-Merritt was seen in pads on Thursday, but he didn't get involved. This is the last thing Washington needs with so many other glaring problems for Kliff Kingsbury's offense to deal with.

But amid all the doom and gloom, Jeremy Fowler from ESPN provided a sense of calm. The senior insider revealed that the Commanders hope that his practice rest due to a knee problem is just precautionary and he'll be available this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons.

Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who did not practice Wednesday (knee), was a little sore after the game Monday but has felt better since then, per source. The hope is that the practice rest is precautionary.Jeremy Fowler

This is encouraging. Croskey-Merritt is working well within the Commanders' new running back committee alongside veteran Jeremy McNichols and fellow Day 3 pick Chris Rodriguez Jr. It's still a situation to monitor until something official arrives. Still, it would be a massive surprise if the first-year pro didn't suit up at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If McLaurin, Bates, and Brown are ruled out as expected, coupled with Daniels not being at 100 percent even if he does feature, there will be even more onus on the rushing attack to set the tone. That's why Croskey-Merritt's status is so vital to the team's hopes.