The Washington Commanders Depth Chart is shaky this week, especially in the running game. They will have to adjust Sunday when they face the Arizona Cardinals. Running Back Austin Ekeler is currently out due to a concussion, according to Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn. Ekeler traveled back to Virginia this week to begin concussion protocols as the team preps in Arizona. Ekeler suffered a concussion in the third quarter of Monday’s 38-33 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Commanders Depth Chart gives a closer look at what to expect in Sunday’s game.
Commanders Depth Chart: McNichols’ Time May Be Now
With Ekeler out, the Commanders will have to lean on Running Backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Jeremy McNichols. Robinson Jr. is the team’s RB1, so McNichols will have to step up to provide support when needed. While McNichols has some time in the league, his consistency doesn’t calm worries about the Commanders’ ground game going into Sunday.
From 2017-19, McNichols played for the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in four games during that time, carrying two for four yards, his longest being seven yards. His most consistent time was with the Tennesse Titans, rushing for 204 yards in 2020, and 150 in 2021. Last season he returned to San Francisco with nothing to show for it. This season he’s played in three games but only had one carry.
Running Back Expectations
Should McNichols play Sunday, he will have some heavy cleats to fill. This season Ekeler has 13 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown. This season he’s been targeted nine times which includes a 24-yard scoring run vs. the Bengals Monday night. Quinn said the Commanders are in a good place, but people will have to respond to Ekeler’s absence on the field. “We’ll miss him, no doubt…It’s up to other people to step up around his position,” Quinn said Wednesday before practice.
Sports Illustrated reported Wednesday the possibility of Running Backs Michael Wiley and Christopher Rodriquez being elevated from the Practice Squad. This will give a boost to the Commanders depth chart. Wiley would be the wildcard, but Rodriquez played in 15 games last season. He had 54 for 247 yards and two touchdowns. If anyone were to be elevated it would probably be him. If Rodriquez makes it on the Commanders Depth Chart by Sunday, McNichols could only hope to support as a third-down back.
Forbes Jr. Set To Return
The Commanders’ Depth Chart this week also shows a change in Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr.’s status. Forbes has been out of action due to a thumb injury. According to Wednesday’s injury report, Forbes Jr. completed a full practice, which is good news for the Commanders secondary. A few weeks ago he underwent surgery on his thumb to repair a UCL injury. He posted later on his Instagram page that “Surgery went well”. Quinn told the media before the Monday night game he was expecting Forbes Jr. to be ready by Week 4.
Commanders Depth Chart Holds Steady In Week 4
Even though Tight End Zach Ertz did not practice Wednesday to rest, he’s still listed as active to play Sunday. The 2013 second round draft pick caught all five of his targets for 38 yards. From 2021-2023 Ertz played with the Cardinals, so Sunday will be somewhat of a homecoming for him. Right Guard Sam Cosmi also didn’t participate in Wednesday’s practice, listed with an Achilles injury. There were few details given about what happened. He’s still listed on the Commanders Depth Chart as active, but is deemed “Questionable”.
If there’s any comfort to be found he is the only player from the O-Line dealing with any serious injury going into Week 4. Wide Receiver Jamison Crowder’s status is still questionable with a calf issue, but not a big concern for the Commanders depth chart. The Commanders wide receiver corps is strong this season with Terry McLaurin leading the way. Luke McCaffrey is already showing signs of stardom along with Noah and Dyami Brown.
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