Man, talk about a rough start to the season’s injury reports. The Commanders just dropped their first injury report for 2026, and three of their starters are already listed as limited participants. The biggest gut punch? Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, their top back, is dealing with a groin issue. You never want to see your primary ball-carrier hobbled, especially when the regular season is kicking off.
The Backfield is Already Looking Shaky
Jacory Croskey-Merritt being limited with a groin injury is just brutal. This dude is their top back, the guy they’re going to lean on to set the tone on offense. A groin injury isn’t something you just shake off, either; it can linger and impact burst, cutting, and overall explosiveness. How “limited” is he really? Will he be ready to go full tilt for Week 1? That’s the question everyone’s asking. If their top guy isn’t 100%, it puts immediate pressure on the rest of the backfield. We’re talking Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen. Those guys better be ready to step up big time, because the offense needs to establish the run if they want to get off to a strong start. No room for error early on, especially with your main weapon not at full strength.
Edge Defenders Taking Hits Early On
It’s not just the offense taking a hit, either. The defense is seeing some early bumps with linebackers K’Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh both limited. Chaisson is dealing with a knee issue, and Oweh’s got a calf problem. These guys are crucial on the edges of the Commanders’ defense, where they bring the pressure and set the tone against both the run and the pass. Having two starting edge defenders nursing injuries, even if they’re limited, means guys like Joshua Josephs and Javontae Jean-Baptiste need to be ready to step into bigger roles. You want your defense to be flying around, making plays, and coming out with a ton of energy right from the jump. These early season nicks for key defensive players are definitely something to keep an eye on.
At Least There’s Some Good News!
Now, it’s not all doom and gloom on the injury report. There are some positives for the Commanders, and we gotta highlight those. Center Nick Allegretti, who was dealing with a calf, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. Same goes for linebacker Jordan Magee (chest). That’s good news for the trenches and the heart of the defense. Plus, quarterback Marcus Mariota was a full participant despite a knee issue, which is huge for depth and leadership in that QB room. Defensive end Charles Omenihu (wrist) and tight end Ben Sinnott (oblique) were also full go. Getting these guys completely healthy and ready for action is a definite relief. At least the team’s depth in some crucial spots seems to be holding strong heading into the season.
So, what’s next for the Commanders? They’ve got to get these guys healthy. With the regular season right around the corner, every day of practice matters. Week 1 is always critical, and the team needs its key players firing on all cylinders to set the right tone for the season. Let’s hope those “limited” statuses turn into “full participant” real quick.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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