Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler suffered what is believed to be a season-ending Achilles injury on Thursday Night Football, which could open the door for Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Chris Rodriguez to become valuable players in fantasy football. While the extent of Ekeler’s injury has yet to be confirmed, it’s safe to assume the running back won’t return to the field for a while. In his absence, which young player should you target?
Fantasy Football: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Outlook After Austin Ekeler Injury
Austin Ekeler’s Usage
Prior to his injury, the Commanders used Austin Ekeler as the leader of this running back committee. While nobody earned a traditional leading workload, Ekeler came the closest to being the full-time starter. In Week 2, the veteran led the team in carries (eight) and was the only running back to catch a pass. In Week 1’s one-sided win over the New York Giants, Ekeler recorded six carries for 26 yards while hauling in three passes for 31 yards.
Ultimately, Ekeler was receiving roughly 10 touches per game, and those need to go somewhere. While Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the most likely candidate, Chris Rodriguez and even journeyman Jeremy McNichols will likely earn a few additional touches.
Workload Moving Forward
With Ekeler out of the picture, Jacory Croskey-Merritt should become the primary running back for this offense. While he has only played a minimal role in his first two games, he has been remarkably productive when on the field. While he finished Week 2 with just 17 yards on four carries (4.2 yards per attempt), he was the only running back other than Ekeler to receive touches in the game. Additionally, he impressed in Week 1, recording 82 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries.
While he is just a seventh-round pick and is probably still adjusting to the NFL game, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the most impressive running back on the roster and should earn the vast majority of Ekeler’s vacated carries. Chris Rodriguez, a healthy scratch through the first two weeks, will probably receive a handful of carries per game, but this is Croskey-Merritt’s show until proven otherwise.
Of course, this is only in regard to the rushing attempts. Ekeler was easily the team’s best receiving back, but who will take that workload now?
The Passing Game
Unfortunately, the Washington Commanders do not have a natural fit for the pass-catching back. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is still waiting on his first professional reception and never caught more than 13 passes in any of his five collegiate seasons. Chris Rodriguez isn’t much better, as the physical, downhill runner has recorded just three passes since entering the NFL.
Journeyman Jeremy McNichols is the closest thing to a third-down back, as he hauled in 28 receptions for 240 yards and one touchdown in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans. Since that season, however, he’s only caught nine passes for 27 yards.
Chances are, the Washington Commanders will end up using hybrid wide receiver Deebo Samuel as a glorified running back on certain plays. While the former second-round pick has lost a step, he was one of the most dangerous dual-threat players during his peak with the San Francisco 49ers. McNichols will see the occasional target on third and long when the team needs Samuel to line up as a receiver, but it won’t be enough to carry any sort of fantasy football relevance.
Ultimately, from a fantasy football perspective, Jacory Croskey-Merritt has the most to gain from the Austin Ekeler injury. While the running back probably won’t receive a massive workload, the additional volume could make him a solid RB2 for the rest of the season.
Main Photo: Jeff Hanisch – Imagn Images
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