The Washington Commanders head into their Week 6 game against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football depleted at the wide receiver position. Not exactly ideal, but it's something Kliff Kingsbury has coped with effectively up to now.
Noah Brown is out once again, and he cannot be counted upon anymore. Second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin is missing for his third consecutive game with a supposed quad problem, although Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network believes this could have something to do with a hip flexor issue.
If that wasn't enough, the Commanders are taking Deebo Samuel Sr.'s status right up until the last minute. The versatile weapon is dealing with bruising to his heel, and the outcome is uncertain. If he cannot go, Washington will have to rely more heavily on the ground attack than ever before.
Commanders are looking for Jacory Croskey-Merritt to become a complete running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be active despite missing practice this week with a calf problem. But the onus will likely go onto seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt with the primetime spotlight glaring.
Croskey-Merritt has taken the Commanders and the entire league by storm. His breakout performance against the Los Angeles Chargers sent hype to an entirely different level. Considering the Bears are conceding 164.5 rushing yards per game — ranked No. 31 league-wide — and Washington is leading the NFL at 156.4 yards per contest on the ground, another profitable evening could be in the offing.
Kingsbury is trying to protect Croskey-Merritt amid the ongoing adulation. The offensive coordinator acknowledged the impact he makes when carries come his way. However, touches will remain relatively limited until the No. 245 pick's blocking capabilities progress.
"He has to keep working to become a complete back, but since day one, when he touches the ball, he does good things with it."
Kliff Kingsbury via Sporting News
Everyone knows what Croskey-Merritt can do with the football in his hands. He's a dynamic, decisive playmaker who can exploit small seams or bend around the edge for lofty gains. But to be a genuine three-down backfield force, the first-year pro must become an asset from a blocking standpoint.
That'll come over time. But until then, Kingsbury knows how to get the best out of Croskey-Merritt while also limiting the risk to quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Croskey-Merritt has passed every test with flying colors so far. He's a fast learner with an elite-level mentality, so expect to see enhancements to his blocking sooner rather than later.