Commanders rule out Jacory Croskey-Merritt against 49ers with groin injury

The Washington Commanders ruled out leading rusher Jacory Croskey-Merritt for Monday’s Week 6 game at the San Francisco 49ers after he reinjured his groin, coach Dan Quinn said Saturday. His absence leaves Washington relying on other running backs while it decides whether to activate Jeremy McNichols.

Croskey-Merritt did not practice during the week, according to the Commanders and ESPN. Quinn said the setback involved the same groin that had bothered him in recent weeks. ESPN reported that Croskey-Merritt had been dealing with the injury before Washington’s Week 5 game against the New York Giants.

How Washington could replace Croskey-Merritt

Quinn said the Commanders would lean on some combination of Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler. Speaking about Ekeler, he said, ‘His explosiveness in the passing game is a big deal.’ The team reported that White has 29 carries for 118 yards and has caught all 10 of his targets for 53 yards and a touchdown.

The alternatives carry injury questions of their own. ESPN reported that White was limited in Friday’s practice with a shoulder issue after participating fully the previous day, while Ekeler had been limited with a chest issue. Ekeler signed before Washington’s Week 4 game and has joined the running back rotation, ESPN reported.

McNichols, who began the season on injured reserve, practiced throughout the week and could return to the active roster. The Commanders said they would decide Monday whether to activate him. ESPN reported that he would travel with the team to San Francisco.

Other Commanders ruled out for Monday

Washington also ruled out Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Charles Omenihu and Marcus Mariota. Quinn did not say whether receiver Stefon Diggs would play, according to ESPN; Diggs was limited Friday after missing the Giants game with a hamstring injury.