Commanders expected to be without Croskey-Merritt against 49ers

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball off to Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Commanders expected to be without RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt against 49ers

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 12:35 PM ET

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Through their first five games this season, the Washington Commanders have boasted the sixth best rush offense in the NFL, averaging 139.6 yards per game.

Two big reasons for that have been the dynamic rushing abilities of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as well as a hard-nosed style of running from Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt.

Croskey-Merritt, though, has not practiced at all this week, leaving his status for Monday's game against the San Francisco 49ers in serious doubt.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to be out on Monday

According to Commanders reporter Ben Standig, Croskey-Merritt is expected to be out in Week 6. He is dealing with a groin injury that has lingered since training camp and was re-aggravated in Week 5.

Croskey-Merritt leads the Washington running back room with 239 yards and two touchdowns this season. He's also hauled in six catches for 40 yards through five games.

Nothing will be officially confirmed until the final injury report comes out, but it appears that Washington will be without its top running back in an extremely important game in Week 6.

Sources: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt expected out for Week 6.

Details on Bill, and thoughts on contingency plans https://t.co/YKi4sWpz7Y pic.twitter.com/Ik0wphTtHa
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 17, 2026

Commanders plan to rule Croskey-Merritt out for the 49ers game, per source. https://t.co/GHXNX6gkH7
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 17, 2026

Who will step up without Jacory Croskey-Merritt?

If Croskey-Merritt is indeed absent, it will likely be a combination of Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler handling the workload out of the backfield.

Those are two experienced running backs who have played in plenty of big games in their careers and have combined to carry 37 times for 146 yards this season.

Washington Commanders can't be afraid to run the ball without top running back

Even without their top running back, Washington should not shy away from the run game against San Francisco. The 49ers defense ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (97.6), something the Commanders can exploit and take advantage of.

Trying to go with a pass-heavy attack against San Francisco won't work, as its defense ranks eighth in passing yards allowed per game (199.6) this season. Using the trio of Daniels, White and Ekeler will be a key if Washington hopes to pull off an upset.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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