WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Commanders will take on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night without running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the team’s top rusher, after head coach Dan Quinn declared him out with a groin injury.
Croskey-Merritt sat out practice the entire week. Quinn said the back had aggravated the same groin he first hurt in August, a setback the coach called tougher to come back from than a new injury.
Washington drafted Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round in 2025, and he responded with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie. His production has dipped this fall, with 239 yards and two scores at 3.6 yards per carry so far.
Rachaad White figures to carry more of the load. He has 118 yards on 29 rushes, an average of 4.1, and has hauled in all 10 passes thrown his way for 53 yards and a touchdown. Austin Ekeler, who joined the club ahead of the Colts game, ran four times for 29 yards in London. White was dealing with a shoulder issue and Ekeler with a chest injury, but both were cleared for Monday.
Jeremy McNichols, who opened the year on injured reserve, took part fully in practice all week and could be activated, with a decision due Monday. Craig Reynolds and Devin Neal are practice squad options if more depth is needed.
Three more Commanders were also ruled out: quarterback Marcus Mariota with a knee injury, edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste with a pectoral injury and defensive lineman Charles Omenihu with groin and ankle problems. Receiver Stefon Diggs, nursing a hamstring, is listed as questionable, while receiver Terry McLaurin and safety Nick Cross were cleared.
The game at Levi’s Stadium comes after Washington played the New York Giants to a tie in Week 5. The 49ers arrive unbeaten after a win over the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
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