The Commanders may need Robert Henry Jr. sooner than expected, and Dan Quinn isn’t hiding his interest in what the rookie can bring.
Washington’s backfield has been hit hard. Jeremy McNichols went down in last week’s 27-10 win over the Eagles and is reportedly out for the season, while RB1 Jacory Croskey-Merritt is already sidelined for four games with a groin injury. With the room suddenly stretched thin, the Commanders brought Henry back this week and put him on the active roster.
That opens the door for Henry to have a role right away. With Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown out this week, he could be used as a punt and kickoff returner, especially with Luke McCaffrey needed more at receiver. Henry could also slot in as the third back behind Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White, which would give him a chance to see the field in multiple spots.
When Quinn was asked Friday what realistic expectations should be for Henry, he kept it simple: "Stay tuned."
Still, Quinn made it clear the team is glad to have him back.
"We’re excited to have him back,” Quinn continued. “You hope that a moment comes where you get a chance where it can all work out, and this is one of those instances.”
Henry was with the team in the preseason and showed some burst at running back, though he also put the ball on the ground once and lost it. Even so, Washington’s current situation gives him a real opening.
The Commanders now have three backs on the active roster who are all built similarly, leaving them without a bigger, more physical runner for inside work. Quinn said Henry adjusted quickly and spent plenty of time with RB coach Anthony Lynn.
“But I liked how he picked up quickly. He spent a lot of time actually with [RB coach] Anthony [Lynn].
It was early mornings here getting ready. So I liked the intent of him saying, ‘I got everything in, and I’ll be ready if called upon.’”
Quinn also pointed to what he saw from Craig Reynolds and Devin Neal on the practice squad.
"So, the running back room, I like how much they are putting into it, knowing when called upon, they’ll be ready."
In Other News...
Myles Garrett Puts Rams Defensive Momentum To The Test Sunday
Brandon Colemans latest test comes with the kind of edge rush challenge that can change a game plan before it even settles in. The Commanders have leaned on the rookie tackle in a spot where every snap matters, and now he gets a look at Myles Garrett, whose presence alone forces offenses to account for the edge differently. For Washington, this is less about one isolated matchup than about whether Coleman can hold up when the pressure is coming from the leagues most disruptive pass rushers.
The timing makes it even more interesting because the Commanders are trying to keep their offensive rhythm intact while juggling the usual Week 9 injury and strategy questions. Colemans performance against Garrett could shape how much Washington can trust its protection on the perimeter, and that has obvious ripple effects for the rest of the offense. If the tackle can steady the edge, it gives the Commanders a chance to stay on schedule, but if not, Sunday could turn into a long afternoon. [Read more 🡒]
Brandon Aiyuk May Have Cost Himself A Real Shot With Washington
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The problem is that his path to Washington appears to have been damaged long before this latest round of uncertainty. Insider Jeremy Fowler said a past social media incident seriously hurt Aiyuks chances with the Commanders, and the relationship now looks difficult to repair. With his next landing spot still unclear, Washington may be one of the teams that once made sense but no longer does. [Read more 🡒]
Rachaad White Has A Chance To Change Washingtons Trade Deadline Plans
Rachaad White has suddenly become a key figure in Washingtons plans at running back, and the timing matters with Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve and the NFL trade deadline approaching. White has handled the lead role for the Commanders, and while his overall production has been limited, there have been signs lately that he can give the offense something steadier than it has had for much of the season.
The most encouraging stretch came in recent games, including a strong showing against the Los Angeles Rams, which gave Washington at least a little reason to pause before looking outside the roster. The Commanders are still evaluating whether the current group can do enough to keep the backfield from becoming a deadline priority, and Whites next few outings could go a long way toward shaping whether the front office feels pressure to add help. [Read more 🡒]