The Commanders’ backfield has become one of the loudest talking points heading into next week’s trade deadline, with Jonathan Taylor, Tony Pollard and Breece Hall all floated as possible answers. But Washington still has a chance to quiet all of that noise with the players already in the building.
Rachaad White is the lead back right now with Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve, and Sunday against the Rams is the kind of stage where he can force a rethink.
Washington brought White in to be a complementary option in the passing game, but the production has been modest. He has 88 receiving yards on 16 catches this season, and while he has been useful near the goal line with three touchdowns, he has not delivered the kind of burst that made him such an intriguing piece at times with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He’ll need more than short-yardage value to hold onto that role.
Last week against the Eagles was a step in the right direction. White logged 11 carries, his most in a game this season, and ripped off his longest run of the year, a 33-yarder, while also finding the end zone late.
That’s the version Washington needs more of, because he still hasn’t topped 100 yards from scrimmage in any game this season. His high point came in Week 2 against the Cowboys, when he finished with 83.
Now comes a tougher test. The Rams have been sharp against opposing running backs over the past two weeks, giving up just 112 rushing yards combined in wins over the Raiders and Chargers. They’re also a team that was tabbed as a Super Bowl favorite before the season, stumbled out of the gate, and has started to find its rhythm.
That means Washington can’t afford to lean on one player alone. If the Commanders are going to win, they’ll need everyone involved.
White has a real shot to make a statement, though. If Washington can get out in front and let Jayden Daniels use his dual-threat ability to set the tone, that could create the kind of opening the backfield has been waiting for.
The Commanders’ running game hasn’t done much this year. Sunday gives White one more chance to change the conversation before general manager Adam Peters has to look outside the roster for help.
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
Brandon Aiyuks NFL future remains unsettled after he applied for reinstatement and met with the 49ers, who have already signaled they do not plan to bring him back. For Washington, the interest had at least been easy enough to understand. Aiyuk has wanted to play for the Commanders, and on paper a receiver of his talent would fit any team trying to keep pace in a loaded NFC.
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 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Need Answers From Receivers They Havent Trusted Much
The Commanders receiver room has gone from established to unsettled fast, forcing Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator David Blough to reshape the week around players who have not been central to the offense. With Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown all dealing with injuries or practice absences that changed the plan, Washington has had to lean harder on backup options and spend more time sorting out who can handle real game work if the roster thins out further.
Luke McCaffrey and Van Jefferson have picked up more practice reps even though their roles have been limited up to this point, and the staff is also weighing personnel changes to keep the offense functional. One possibility is elevating Jaden Bradley, which would put him in line for his first regular-season NFL action and add another layer of uncertainty to a group already trying to find its footing. [Read more 🡒]