The Washington Commanders were already considered underdogs going into their Monday night game against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Now, they will be without their top running back, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has been ruled out due to a groin injury.
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt won’t play Monday against the San Francisco 49ers because of a groin injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2026
Story via @john_keim:https://t.co/yYzN2Qfnxl
Croskey-Merritt struggled through the first four games of the season but finally got going in Washington’s tie with the New York Giants, rushing for 7.5 yards per carry, 82 total yards, and his first rushing touchdown since the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Croskey-Merritt out, Rachaad White
and Austin Ekeler are expected to lead Washington's running back corps. Both are dealing with injuries, as White has been dealing with a shoulder injury and Ekeler has been working to come back from a chest injury. Nonetheless, both are expected to be available in this game.
Washington desperately needs a win after an embarrassing tie with the Giants and sits at the bottom of the NFC East with a 1-3-1 record. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles also have losing records, and Philadelphia is dealing with a myriad of injuries, leaving the division wide open for anyone to win.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Commanders rule out starting RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs. 49ers
