Why are the Washington Commanders struggling to run the ball?
The 2025 team finished a dismal 5-12, yet they certainly ran the ball better than the 2026 team has through four games. Continuing to run the ball pretty well, the 2025 team finished fifth in the NFL in rushing, for 4.7 yards per attempt. This year’s starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is averaging well below that, at a mere 2.8 yards per rushing attempt.
Looking at this year’s rushing totals, what stands out is that quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota have had success running. But how well can you live off that? Daniels (12-100) is averaging 8.3 yards per carry. Mariota (7-49) is averaging 7.0. But running backs JCM, Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen have really struggled.
We can’t simply overlook the fact that the Commanders have played all four games without starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil and the last two games without starting right guard Sam Cosmi. So, we don’t want to simplistically blame the running backs.
However, the Commanders did sign 31-year-old free agent Austin Ekeler last week. That means GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn agree: they need some juice at running back. So if Ekeler gets 20 snaps this coming Sunday against the New York Giants, whom is he replacing?
I think fans will instantly say Ekeler is replacing White. Sure, he would take some of White’s snaps. But I also think Ekeler will take a good bit of time from Croskey-Merritt. Last year Croskey-Merritt produced 805 rushing yards, including eight rushing touchdowns. But this year, Croskey-Merritt is really struggling. Is he playing with a nagging injury? Has he lost confidence in his ability?
I won’t pretend to have the answer this early in the season. I am not ready to write off Croskey-Merritt yet, but I won't be surprised if, in this next game, the coaches cut his time to see whether Ekeler can still produce explosive plays for the offense.
Last Sunday against the Colts, Croskey-Merritt did produce two receptions for 35 yards, but only 15 rushing yards on his nine attempts. The Commanders must produce more in the run game, so don’t be surprised if they start playing with the running back rotation this week against the Giants.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What's going on with the Commanders' running backs in 2026?
