One rookie's role in the Commanders offense has gone from a want to a desperate need as they look to replace an injured starter

The seventh-round rookie has impressed so far this season, and he's the team's leading rusher with 99 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. What will he look like as the lead back, though, with a lot of the responsibilities falling on him to produce? Will his ability in the receiving game and pass protection be effective enough?

A running back committee

Ekeler was more than just the starting running back, but also a major safety blanket for Daniels and the passing game. He already had seven targets in just the two games, and he made big plays when the offense needed them the most. You can't fill in that part of the offense with just one player, especially when it comes to the experience and IQ Ekeler brought on the field; it'll take a whole committee

Quinn was asked how the team would replace Ekeler, and he admitted that it'll be a full team effort with many guys needing to step up, even with Croskey-Merritt being the new lead back.

"He [Ekeler] has been such a factor for us both on the field, and I can't emphasize this enough, the teammate he is off the field," Quinn said. "The standard that he sets, how he goes for things. So, it won't be with one person, not right away anyway. Those roles get worked out over time, but they won't be in the exact same way. I will tell you that it's not just, ‘okay, let's just plug and play’. So, we'll feature some guys in some different ways for sure, but it won't be in the exact same way we did it with Austin.”

The Commanders did sign veteran RB Chase Edmunds to the practice squad, and you can expect Chris Rodriguez Jr. back in the fold as well. Maybe they will try to see what Donovan Edwards has as a rookie with upside, especially if they want more of a receiving threat in the backfield. Regardless, Croskey-Merritt will be the main guy establishing the run, while the rest of the running back room sorts out their new roles.