Commanders' McNichols Out for Season

Washington running back Jeremy McNichols is out for the season and faces potential surgery after an injury.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football

The Washington Commanders have lost running back Jeremy McNichols for the rest of the season, with potential surgery ahead. The injury comes as the team has already placed rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve.

Why it matters

The loss deepens Washington's backfield problems at a time when the team is 2-4-1 and already dealing with several other injuries. It leaves veteran backs to carry a bigger share of the load.

Over the last two seasons, McNichols has totaled 746 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns with Washington. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has rushed for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns in five games, averaging 3.6 yards per carry.

The players

Jeremy McNichols

A running back drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017 who has since played for 10 NFL teams.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

A Commanders rookie running back who rushed for 805 yards and 8 touchdowns in his rookie season.

The details

McNichols, a 5-foot-9, 205-pound back in his 10th NFL season, is out for the year and faces potential surgery. Washington placed Croskey-Merritt on injured reserve October 19 along with linebacker Javontae Jean-Baptiste, while Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw also suffered injuries.

October 19: Jacory Croskey-Merritt placed on injured reserve.
November 4: McNichols season-ending injury reported.
Week 9: Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams.
Week 10: Commanders play the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football.

Season Trajectory

Washington's season has been shaped by a string of injuries, beginning with Laremy Tunsil's season-ending torn triceps in training camp. The loss of McNichols further thins a backfield that now relies on veterans Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler.

With McNichols sidelined, the Commanders' backfield workload shifts to Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler. Fantasy managers who rostered McNichols will need to look elsewhere for Washington running back production.

The takeaway

Injuries to backfield depth can quickly reshape a team's rushing game, so watching how the Commanders distribute carries over the next few weeks will show how well their veteran backs can hold up. Fans and fantasy managers should track the snap counts closely.