Washington Commanders News

NFC EAST

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Terry McLaurin Profiles as WR2 for Saturday's Matchup Against Philadelphia

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has scored a touchdown in two of three games since returning in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. McLaurin hauled in a 51-yard catch-and-run touchdown in last week's win over the Giants for his longest play since Week 3 against the Raiders. The 30-year-old wideout leads the Commanders in targets (22), receptions (13), and yards (206) since returning, ranking as the WR14 in PPR points per game (15.2) in that span. McLaurin draws a tougher matchup in Week 16 against a stingy Eagles secondary, but he's historically played well against the division rival, averaging 5.3 catches with 76.4 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 12 career games against them. McLaurin ranks as RotoBaller's WR19 in PPR leagues in Week 16.

2 hours ago

Jeremy McNichols • RB • Commanders

Jeremy McNichols Loses Value in Week 16

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols surprisingly drew the start last week against the New York Giants with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) sidelined and handled all the snaps on the opening drive of the game. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt took over the bulk of the carries for the remainder of the game and proved to be the far more effective runner, producing 96 yards on 18 carries compared to McNichols with six yards on nine carries. The veteran handled a season-high 10 touches, but totalled only 22 yards and also lost a fumble with less than three minutes remaining in the game with Washington up 29-21, giving the Giants a shot to tie the game. With Rodriguez set to play on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, McNichols should return to his normal duties as the primary third-down back. He profiles only as a deep-league dart throw in PPR formats in Week 16.

2 hours ago

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Could Fall Back into Depth Role in Week 16

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt delivered his best game in more than two months in the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, handling a season-high 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. Croskey-Merrit took advantage of his opportunities with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) out of the lineup, but Rodriguez will be back for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's to be determined if the rookie seventh-rounder earned a larger role with his strong performance, but he looked dynamic and reminded fantasy managers why he generated buzz earlier in the season. Croskey-Merritt struggled mightily after his breakout game in Week 5, ranking 38th out of 38 running backs with at least 40 carries with a 3.0 yards-per-carry average in Weeks 6-11. However, over the past three games, he's turned things around, averaging 5.1 yards per tote and ranking ninth among backs with at least 25 carries. It's another good matchup for Washington running backs in Week 16, as the Eagles have allowed the seventh-most yards per carry (4.5) this season, but with the uncertainty around Croskey-Merritt's role, he profiles only as a deep-league flex option.

2 hours ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Projects as Low-Ceiling Option in Week 16

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a full participant in practice this week and doesn't have an injury designation heading into Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodriguez missed last week against the Giants' 31st-ranked run defense and saw rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt record his best day on the ground since his breakout performance in Week 5. The third-year back still has a favorable matchup in Week 16 against an Eagles defense that has allowed 4.5 yards per carry and the 11th-most PPR points to running backs. The Kentucky product had recorded double-digit carries in each of the past five games, with him leaving early due to injury in Week 10 being the only exception, but it remains to be seen if Croskey-Merritt worked his way back into a more prominent role after his performance last week. Rodriguez is a consistent threat to find the end zone, but he doesn't have the highest ceiling in a split backfield and is a non-factor in the passing game. He's tough to trust as anything more than a low-end RB3/flex option for the second round of the fantasy playoffs.

3 hours ago

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Marcus Mariota Enters Week 16 as a QB2 Option

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota has a tough matchup in Week 16 against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Mariota will remain Washington's starter for the remainder of the regular season after the team shut down Jayden Daniels (elbow) after aggravating his elbow injury in Week 14. The 32-year-old signal-caller has been solid all season while filling in for Daniels, completing 62% of his passes for 1,600 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while adding 49 carries for 298 yards and a touchdown as a runner in 10 games (seven starts). Mariota is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game in his seven starts, which would be tied for QB11 on the season among quarterbacks with at least six games. Mariota profiles as a QB2 on Saturday against an Eagles defense that has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

3 hours ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Ready to Go for Week 16

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was able to practice in full all week and has been cleared to play in the Week 16 divisional game this Saturday versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to the team. Rodriguez was a surprise inactive for last week's win over the New York Giants due to a groin injury. With the 25-year-old out last Sunday, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt saw a season-high 18 rushing attempts for 96 yards and a touchdown. Before C-Rod's injury, he had taken over lead-back duties in Washington and had double-digit carries in four of the last five games. However, after JCR's impressive performance in Week 15, it's possible the two could split backfield touches more evenly in a tough matchup against the Eagles' defense. With a potential timeshare in Week 16, Rodriguez loses a lot of fantasy value and will be more of a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.

3 hours ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Trending Towards Playing in Week 16

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (hip) was a full participant in both Tuesday's and Wednesday's practice sessions and is expected to return in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodriguez missed Week 15's game against the New York Giants with a hip injury but was reportedly close to playing last week. Even if the third-year back is fully healthy entering Week 16, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big game on the ground in Week 15 and may have cut into Rodriguez's workload. Rodriguez has played only 30% of the snaps this season, and with Washington's offensive struggles with quarterback Jayden Daniels, it's hard to trust any back on this team. Assuming he's good to go for their divisional showdown against the Eagles, Rodriguez offers low-end FLEX value in Week 16.

10 hours ago

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Terry McLaurin Ready to Finish Strong in 2025?

Overall, it's been a disappointing 2025 season for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and his fantasy managers. A quadriceps injury has limited him to only seven games, and it hasn't helped that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has already been ruled out for the final three games of the season. On the bright side, the 30-year-old has 13 catches on 24 targets for 206 yards and two touchdowns in three games since his return from a lengthy absence due to his quad injury. All three of his touchdown passes on the year have come from veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota as well. Scary Terry played 75% of the offensive snaps in last week's win over the New York Giants, his second-highest snap share of 2025. Although McLaurin has a bad Week 16 matchup against the Eagles, he will continue to be Mariota's top aerial option, giving him weekly WR2 upside in fantasy.

22 hours ago

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Could See More Touches Moving Forward

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt operated as the team's lead runner in Week 15, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) ruled out with a groin injury. Croskey-Merritt delivered a strong performance, handling 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown in Washington's win over the New York Giants. Jeremy McNichols actually drew the start for Washington, but JCM ended up doubling him in carries. The rookie seventh-rounder found the end zone for the first time since his breakout performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he totalled 150 yards and two touchdowns. JCM looked decisive and explosive against the Giants, who notably have one of the worst run defenses in the league, but it was great to see the rookie deliver for fantasy managers who plugged him into their lineups for the first round of the fantasy playoffs. Croskey-Merritt could potentially work himself back into a more significant timeshare with McNichols and Rodriguez upon his return, creating a messy situation to sort through. He remains worth rostering and would project favorably again on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles if Rodriguez is out again on a short week.

Yesterday

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Gets in Full Practice on Tuesday

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a full participant in practice on Tuesday. Rodriguez was limited twice in practice last week before being ruled out for Sunday's win over the New York Giants. He appears to be trending in the right direction with a full session to begin Week 16 preparation. In his absence on Sunday, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries during Sunday's victory. The return of Rodriguez would likely reduce Croskey-Merritt's role for the upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday. If healthy, Rodriguez should offer low-end flex appeal in deep leagues this weekend in a bad matchup.

2 days ago

Luke McCaffrey • WR • Commanders

Luke McCaffrey Not Expected to Return This Year

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said he doesn't expect wide receiver Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) to be activated from Injured Reserve for the final three weeks of the season, according to Ben Standig. McCaffrey suffered a broken collarbone in the Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and won't be back in 2025. The 24-year-old former third-round pick in 2024 out of Rice will finish his second year in the NFL with 11 catches on 15 targets for 203 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. McCaffrey averaged a healthy 18.5 yards per reception as a deep threat down the field for quarterbacks Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota, but for fantasy purposes, he was much too inconsistent to trust in starting lineups in most leagues. McCaffrey will be looking to become a more consistent part of Washington's offense in his third year in the league in 2026.

2 days ago

Noah Brown • WR • Commanders

Commanders Place Noah Brown on Injured Reserve

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (ribs) has been placed on Injured Reserve, per JP Finlay of NBC 4 Sports. The team has also signed veteran wideout Chris Moore from the practice squad to the active roster as the corresponding move. The IR placement ends what has been an injury-ravaged season for Brown. He appeared in just four games this season for Washington, recording five receptions for 83 yards on 10 targets. The 29-year-old has had a difficult time staying healthy in recent years, playing in just 25 games over the past three seasons. With Brown sidelined, Commanders wideouts Treylon Burks and Jaylin Lane should see more opportunities alongside Washington's star wide receiver duo of Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr.

2 days ago

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Marcus Mariota Trending Up as Rest-of-Season Starter

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will remain under center for the rest of the regular season after the team officially shut down Jayden Daniels (elbow) for the final three games. Mariota has started seven games this season and has posted top-10 fantasy value in three of them. The 32-year-old had a less-than-ideal outing versus the New York Giants on Sunday, throwing for 211 yards with a touchdown while rushing the ball 10 times for 43 yards on the ground. He doesn't have the strongest arm, but his dual-threat ability gives Mariota streaming appeal the rest of the way. He'll head into a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. Mariota should still offer superflex value as a QB2 in a difficult home matchup.

2 days ago

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels to be Shut Down for Final Three Games

The Washington Commanders have decided to shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) for the final three games of the 2025 season, sources tell Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Daniels was re-evaluated on Monday and was not cleared, so the Commanders have decided to sit the second-year signal-caller for the rest of the year since they are eliminated from postseason contention. Veteran Marcus Mariota will close out the year running Washington's offense. The 24-year-old missed his seventh game of the year in Sunday's win over the New York Giants. Daniels suffered a gruesome dislocation of his left elbow in Week 9 and didn't return until Week 14, when he aggravated the injury. The former second overall pick had an amazing rookie campaign, but he'll end 2025 with only 1,262 passing yards, eight TDs, and three interceptions in seven games. Daniels could easily bounce back in 2026, but there are some serious concerns about his durability now after he missed time with elbow, hamstring, and knee injuries this year.

3 days ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Remains a Roster-Worthy Running Back After Injury Absence

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a late scratch before his team's Week 15 win over the New York Giants due to a groin injury. In his absence, Commanders back Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the way with 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. However, Rodriguez Jr. had emerged as the lead rusher in Washington before getting hurt. Across three games leading into Week 15, the 25-year-old racked up 172 rushing yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. Croskey-Merritt's stellar performance against the Giants may lead to more of a split backfield in Washington going forward. Still, in fantasy leagues where Rodriguez Jr. is available on the waiver wire, he should be targeted heading into his team's Week 16 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

3 days ago

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Back on the Fantasy Radar in Week 16?

Washington Commanders rookie running back out of Arizona, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, is officially back on the fantasy football radar as Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a game-time decision in Week 15 and was eventually ruled out shortly before the game. Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, earned 18 carries, which he turned into 98 yards (5.33 yards per tote) and a touchdown in the Commanders' 29-21 win over the New York Giants. JCM looked good running the football, and his score came from 16 yards out. All of a sudden, this Commanders backfield gets a bit shaky after it had finally cleared up for us the past few weeks, with Rodriguez being the only one worth rostering. After JCM's performance in Week 15, the Commanders may want to give JCM some more run after an impressive performance, so if Rodriguez Jr., who had been playing well, returns in Week 16, all of a sudden, we are back to the three-running-back committee of Rodriguez, JCM, and Jeremy McNichols. All of which would become desperate plays in Week 16 of the fantasy football season. Regardless, JCM would be worth a waiver-wire pickup in case Rodriguez can't suit up in Week 16.

3 days ago

Noah Brown • WR • Commanders

Noah Brown Ruled Out for Remainder of Week 15 with Rib Injury

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (ribs) has been ruled out for the remainder of his team's Week 15 matchup against the New York Giants due to a rib injury. Brown suffered a back injury earlier in the game that he was able to return from, but his day is now done due to a rib ailment. The 29-year-old recorded one catch for 28 yards on one target before exiting the game. It's been an injury-marred 2025 for Brown, as he's appeared in just four games for Washington this season. Without him, Commanders wideouts Jaylin Lane and Treylon Burks could both see more playing time alongside star wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr.

4 days ago

Laremy Tunsil • OT • Commanders

Laremy Tunsil Questionable to Return in Week 15

Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) is officially questionable to return to his team's Week 15 matchup against the New York Giants due to a shoulder injury. The 31-year-old has started all 14 of Washington's games to this point in 2025. Tunsil is generally considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL and is in the midst of another excellent season. Entering Week 15, Pro Football Focus graded Tunsil as the third-best pass-blocking tackle and eighth-best player overall at the position out of 81 qualified players. If he's unable to return, Brandon Coleman would likely handle left tackle duties for Washington for the remainder of Week 15.

4 days ago

Noah Brown • WR • Commanders

Noah Brown Questionable to Return With Back Injury

The Washington Commanders deemed wide receiver Noah Brown (back) questionable to return to their Week 15 game against the New York Giants. The 29-year-old receiver has been used sparingly this season, but did connect with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota for a 28-yard gain on Sunday. Fellow receiver Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) remains on injured reserve, opening the door for midseason addition Treylon Burks to step into a larger role. For fantasy purposes, Brown is already in a depth role that doesn't warrant a roster spot in the majority of formats.

4 days ago

Chris Rodriguez Jr. • RB • Commanders

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Inactive for Week 15 Against Giants

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) is inactive for Sunday's Week 15 contest against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable and was believed to be a true game-time decision. After Rodriguez tested his injury in pregame workouts, the team decided he wasn't healthy enough to suit up. The 26-year-old had been leading Washington's backfield lately with 37 touches and 4.8 yards per carry over his last three games. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols should split touches in his absence, with McNichols likely getting more involved on passing downs. Neither back is a surefire top-36 fantasy option for Week 15, despite a favorable matchup against New York's bottom-tier run defense.

4 days ago

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