Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez has seen his role in the offense evolve this season, and injury setbacks have also impacted the back’s numbers. Like many players, he’s been listed as questionable many times this year and didn’t record any numbers in four games.
That said, here’s the latest on the Commanders’ rusher.
When Will Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Return To the Field? Looking At the Player’s Status for Week 16
Rodriguez missed the team’s 29-21 Week 15 win over the New York Giants with a groin injury. However, he is trending in the right direction in terms of his availability for their upcoming home game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. The Kentucky product logged a full practice session on Tuesday, pointing to some optimism for Saturday afternoon.
While he served as the Commanders’ No. 1 back at times this year, a game-time decision ahead of the Giants matchup saw him sidelined for the win. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt made the most of increased touches, booking 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.
How Croskey-Merritt’s performance, mixed with Rodriguez’s injury, affects the running back depth chart remains to be seen. Washington has a deep rushing corps that also features Jeremy McNichols and wideout Deebo Samuel, who often takes touches out of the backfield.
As for Rodriguez, he’s been a reliable power back this campaign. In 11 games, he recorded 81 carries for 372 yards and four touchdowns. He’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry, with a longest run of 48; the longest of his career.
The 3rd-year back hasn’t been rotated into the passing game as often as the others, having only caught one ball for six yards this season. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has used McNichols the most as a receiver out of the backfield, with the veteran recording 19 receptions for 167 yards.
Croskey-Merritt has been next in line with nine catches for 68 yards and an average of 7.6 yards. The rookie, however, has made the backfield his own in the running game. Across 14 contests, he’s put up 143 carries for 646 yards and five scores, averaging 4.7 yards per touch.
Rodriguez’s Injury Is Another Setback in a Disappointing 2025 Season for Washington
The Commanders‘ 4-10 record is a reflection of the struggles the team has faced due to the injury of quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 2nd-year pro has missed chunks of time this year, culminating in head coach Dan Quinn shutting him down for the final three games of the regular season.
The decision is partly motivated by the fact that Washington has dropped out of postseason contention, and getting the shot-caller healthy for next season is a bigger priority.
