Brian Robinson Jr.‘s trade to the San Francisco 49ers and Austin Ekeler‘s Achilles injury (Week 2) meant bigger responsibilities for rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But his absence from Wednesday’s (September 24) practice has raised concerns, leaving the Washington Commanders‘ head coach, Dan Quinn, in a rather tricky situation.

NFL writer Jeremy Fowler just reported, “Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who did not practice Wednesday (September 2) (knee), was a little sore after the game Monday but has felt better since then, per source. The hope is that the practice rest is precautionary.” So, the team will monitor his practice participation this week to see if he’ll be able to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4.

If he is unable to suit up for the game, the team may need to adjust its plans for the future. Although Quinn has faith in the roster, he is prepared to adapt when the time calls for it.

“I’m comfortable with the shared balance is what’s important to me,” Quinn said. “If there’s runners that have unique skills and how to feature ones, we can do that. But having balance, that’s what makes an offense most difficult to defend when it’s not just all of one or all the other but having the balance to do both,” he added.

Quinn explained, “But going into it I’m there whether it stays that way, we’ll just keep digging and find our way, but I am comfortable sharing the responsibility and let’s see what the game presents coming up.” Clearly, Coach Quinn expects Croskey and the rest to step up. To help Croskey, the franchise also signed running back Chase Edmonds to the practice squad.

But aside from scoring a touchdown apiece in Weeks 2 and 3, Croskey-Merritt was not very productive, rushing for 17 yards on 4 carries against the Packers and 26 yards on 8 carries against the Raiders. Those numbers were a far cry from what he racked up in the opening Week, rushing 10 times for 82 yards and one touchdown. Perhaps that’s why offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury keeps insisting that he has more to offer.

“Yeah, just continue to progress. I would say playing without the ball. I think every time he’s touched it, good things happen,” Kingsbury said on September 19. “It’s just, as a young player, there’s a lot of things you haven’t seen, whether it’s pass pro, leading for somebody else, running the proper route, route technique, things of that nature. So, he just gotta keep coming, but I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic and staying on top of it and he’s definitely improved each week.”

Meanwhile, Chris Rodriguez led the team in carries against the Raiders (11), while running back Jeremy McNichols made an impact with a 60-yard touchdown run. So, while Croskey could participate in Thursday’s practice and play on game day, nothing is confirmed as of yet.

Just as the backfield has been tested by injuries, the quarterback position hasn’t been immune.

Dan Quinn shares update on Jayden Daniels’ status

Wednesday’s practice had some good moments, too, as quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to practice, albeit in a limited capacity. His status still remains day-to-day as he continues to recover from his knee injury, which he sustained during the Packers game when his knee took a helmet hit.

He admitted that practicing with a brace was an adjustment, but he feels ready to play on Sunday if cleared. “I feel good,” Daniels said about his injury. However, the final decision will depend on the medical team, and he is willing to sit out if necessary.

Coach Quinn has the same sentiment. “We’ll continue to rely on the medical team to fully clear him,” Quinn said of Daniels. “But what I can say is, man, he’s doing everything you possibly can to get there. The guy’s the ultimate competitor for us, you know that. I know that, but he’s absolutely digging.”

In Daniels’ absence, quarterback Marcus Mariota has shown promise. Against the Raiders, his former team, the veteran connected on 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing 40 yards for another score. No wonder the coach is happy. “This is a real competitor in this style and the attitude and the way that he plays just suits him so well in this system,” he said. While Mariota starts in the meantime, Daniels will hope to return to action as soon as possible.