Fantasy football managers received significant news heading into Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season when reports indicated that Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to miss Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers due to a lingering groin injury. Fantasy expert Matthew Berry quickly weighed in on the resulting backfield situation, stating he would “assume a RBBC with Rachaad White being preferred over Austin Ekeler.”
This development creates a clear opportunity for managers looking for streaming or flex options in deeper leagues, while also highlighting the risks of a committee approach against a strong 49ers defense.
Croskey-Merritt’s 2026 Role and Injury Timeline
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has served as the Commanders’ lead rusher through five games, totaling 67 carries for 239 yards and two touchdowns (averaging 3.6 yards per carry). He also added five receptions for 40 yards. The groin issue dates back to training camp and has limited him at times, yet he played through it—including an 11-carry, 82-yard, one-touchdown outing in Week 5 against the Giants.
Sources close to the team, including reporter Ben Standig, indicated Croskey-Merritt missed practice throughout the week and is not expected to suit up Monday night. The timing is notable because Washington’s bye falls immediately afterward, giving him extra recovery time. He remains the clear lead back when healthy, but his absence opens the door for the rest of the room.
Commanders Backfield Contingency: White Preferred in Committee
With Croskey-Merritt sidelined, the Commanders are expected to turn to a running back by committee (RBBC). Rachaad White stands out as the primary option in that scenario. White has shown dual-threat ability earlier in the season and returned from his own shoulder issue. Austin Ekeler, who recently signed with Washington, has been limited by a chest injury and has operated in a smaller role so far.
Berry’s assessment aligns with the available information: White projects as the preferred back in the committee, while Ekeler is more of a secondary or situational option. Other depth pieces such as Jeremy McNichols (eligible to return from IR) and practice-squad options exist, but White and Ekeler are the main fantasy-relevant names if Croskey-Merritt sits.
Week 6 Fantasy Football Outlook and Matchup
The Commanders travel to face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, who present a difficult matchup for opposing running backs. Still, opportunity matters most in fantasy. If Croskey-Merritt is inactive, White becomes a viable flex or low-end RB2 play in deeper leagues, especially in PPR formats where his receiving work can add value. Projections and expert consensus generally favor White over Ekeler in this scenario.
Ekeler carries more risk due to his recent chest limitation and limited early touches with the team. Managers who roster either player should monitor final injury reports and inactives closely on Monday, as both White (shoulder) and Ekeler (chest) have dealt with their own issues this week.
Key takeaways for fantasy managers:
- Bench Croskey-Merritt if he is ruled out or listed as questionable with a low likelihood of playing.
- Prioritize Rachaad White as the higher-upside option in the expected RBBC.
- Treat Austin Ekeler as a deeper-league or emergency flex only.
- Watch for any activation of Jeremy McNichols, which could further muddy the backfield.
Final Recommendation
Matthew Berry’s quick take captures the most practical approach for Week 6: expect a committee and lean toward Rachaad White if Croskey-Merritt sits. The Commanders’ backfield has been fluid this season due to injuries, so the situation could shift, but current reporting and expert reaction point to White as the better fantasy play Monday night.
Stay updated on official injury designations before kickoff, as the extra rest provided by the upcoming bye could influence how aggressive the team is with Croskey-Merritt’s return. For now, White offers the clearest path to meaningful touches in an otherwise uncertain Commanders running back room.