Might Washington running back Robert Henry Jr. see his first NFL action this week?
The Commanders are thin at running back, with Jeremy McNichols injured in last week's 27-10 win over the Eagles. McNichols is reportedly now out for the season, and RB1 Jacory Croskey-Merritt is already out for four games with a groin injury.
The Commanders reached out and brought back RB Robert Henry this week. Henry is on the active roster now, and with WRs Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown out this week, Henry could see action as a punt/kickoff returner. That’s because Luke McCaffrey will be needed more at receiver this week as well.
The 5-9, 196-pound Henry could be the third back for Washington this week behind Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White. Thus, between those
options, Henry could be busy this week. When Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was asked Friday what the realistic expectations are for Henry, Quinn responded, "Stay tuned."
Recently re-signed RB Robert Henry Jr. back out at practice. Working with Austin Ekeler. pic.twitter.com/yoqqaqWuhD
— Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) November 4, 2026
"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 displayed some explosiveness at running back. However, Henry did fumble once, and it was lost.
Bringing on Henry, the Commanders now have three running backs who are all very similar. They are each smaller and lighter. Thus, the Commanders have no big running back currently on the active roster who will be considered an inside, tough runner.
“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.’” But Quinn immediately added that he also liked what he saw this week from Craig (Reynolds) and Devin (Neal). They are the running backs 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."
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Dan Quinn's two words of optimism on rookie RB
