McNichols’ Foot Injury Puts Commanders’ Running Back Depth in Focus

Jeremy McNichols left Washington’s 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on November 1 with a foot injury sustained in the third quarter. The running back did not return, and coach Dan Quinn said on November 2 that the injury was to McNichols’ midfoot and could be serious. The team is awaiting further scans, with no diagnosis or recovery timetable announced. Quinn said he expected to provide an update on Wednesday, November 4.

McNichols had recently returned from injured reserve after missing Washington’s first five games with a quadriceps injury. Against Philadelphia, he had five carries for 21 yards and caught one pass for seven yards as he worked back into the team’s rotation.

Washington’s running back options are already limited. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is on injured reserve with a groin injury and is expected to sit out two additional games or more. The active roster’s remaining healthy running backs are Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler. White ran for 55 yards on 11 carries and scored a touchdown against Philadelphia; Ekeler gained 36 yards on eight rushing attempts and added a successful two-point try.

Washington’s practice squad has Devin Neal and Craig Reynolds as available options. The Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams on November 8. Quinn said the team expects to have a clearer picture after McNichols’ further evaluation and will then assess whether it needs to add another running back.