Team news: Washington Commanders

Dan Quinn said every player on Washington’s 53-man roster has been cleared to face Philadelphia. That includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was limited Wednesday and Thursday with a groin injury.

Related Players: Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jerome Ford

Croskey-Merritt is available as a Week 1 Flex, although Quinn said the Commanders still need to discuss possible workload limitations for players returning from injuries. The close rankings between Croskey-Merritt and White reflect the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s initial backfield split.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt was limited by a groin injury during Washington’s first official practice of Week 1. The Commanders have not provided further information concerning the injury’s severity.

Related Players: Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen

A Wednesday limitation alone does not place Croskey-Merritt’s availability in serious doubt, but the groin designation introduces uncertainty into an already close backfield projection. White would be positioned for considerably more work if Croskey-Merritt is limited or unavailable. Fantasy managers considering Croskey-Merritt as a flex should monitor Thursday closely.

And RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt has a “lower body” injury, per Quinn.

Related players: Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, Kaytron Allen

"Bill" did practice a little on Monday, according to reports, so for now, this situation will have to be monitored as we get closer to the season. That's a especially true on a team like the Commanders where there isn't necessarily a clear-cut leader in the RB room.

Rachaad White missed practice with an injury, allowing Allen to get more work behind Croskey-Merritt.

Related Players: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Kaytron Allen

One absence without a diagnosis is primarily something to monitor, but White’s ranking already trails his market price by 27 spots. Any extended absence would strengthen Croskey-Merritt’s grip on the lead role, while Allen could become more interesting in deeper formats.

Commanders QB Marcus Mariota will miss the remainder of the preseason with a sprained MCL.

With Mariota out, it leaves 2024 undrafted free agent Sam Hartman and 2026 7th-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis behind starter Jayden Daniels. It’s the latest injury to the Commanders’ offense, following the loss of left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Washington could be in the market for a veteran backup for the time being, at least until Mariota returns, as they try to protect Daniels and keep him as healthy as possible.

Former Patriots WR Stefon Diggs is set to sign with the Commanders, sources say.

With an offseason at full health, Diggs is ready to hit the ground running as a key weapon for Jayden Daniels in Year 3. The QB-friendly WR should help.

Related Players: Terry McLaurin, Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Treylong Burks, Jayden Daniels

Washington is about as favorable a late-summer landing spot as Diggs could have found. He gets a strong quarterback in Daniels and a clear path to the No. 2 receiver role without being asked to operate as the unquestioned centerpiece of the passing game. Diggs should enter the rankings as a fantasy WR3 candidate, while Williams, McCaffrey and Burks all lose appeal. McLaurin’s ceiling takes a slight target-volume hit, although the overall improvement to Washington’s passing offense helps offset it.

There are multiple battles going on this camp, starting with: Who will be the No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin? Washington probably will mix and match depending on the matchups and the game plan, but players still have to earn time -- whether it's third-round pick Antonio Williams or past draft choices Jaylin Lane and Luke McCaffrey. The Commanders also have veterans Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson.

The story went on to say the battle is not only to earn time as a No. 2 but also potentially just for a roster spot. The Commanders could still sign a wideout and Stefon Diggs remains a player of interest, according to several reports.

Commanders inactives:

QB Jayden Daniels
QB Marcus Mariota
QB Sam Hartman (emergency 3rd QB)
RB Chris Rodriguez
LT Laremy Tunsil
LB Nick Bellore
DT Daron Payne

Related Players: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols

Do we really want to start Croskey-Merritt on Christmas with Josh Johnson at quarterback? Bill is a fine RB3 with less competition, but the ceiling is still capped.

Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) has been added to the injury report and is questionable for today's game.

Related Players: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols

Do we really want to start Croskey-Merritt on Christmas with Josh Johnson at quarterback? Bill would be a fine RB3 if Rodriguez is unable to go.

The Commanders are signing QB Jeff Driskel off the Cardinals practice squad, per source.

Related players: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Josh Johnson, Sam Hartman

Driskel served as Washington’s QB3 last season, the post pointed out. He's now back as a depth piece with Mariota (hand) uncertain for Week 17 and Daniels sidelined. Reports say Johnson could very well be the starter for Week 17 but Driskel could serve as the QB2.