The Washington Commanders know what they have at the top of the running back room, but the fallout from Friday night adds intrigue to the floor of the unit
There was a brief period when it appeared a possibility that the Washington Commanders could turn to a feature back in 2026, but that was prior to the NFL Draft and proved to be a question the front office never had to answer after Jeremiyah Love came off the board to the Arizona Cardinals. From then on, a committee approach has been all but clear with several pieces now looking to step up. The question has been about who makes up the eventual committee.
Friday's preseason opener gave a chance for others to step up after Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt were among the over two dozen players held out from the win to rest. Jeremy McNichols was also inactive, but not due to rest after head coach Dan Quinn revealed on Sunday that the veteran is expected to miss a "few weeks" due to a quad injury. That all paved the way for a pair of rookies to lead the group of standouts after Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr. combined for 160 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
Allen's day proved to be a historic one after becoming the only running back over the last decade to not record a negative run on at least 20 attempts
, showcasing his potential as the efficient short yardage back that's needed in David Blough's scheme. Though the rookie showcased his efficiency in short runs, his game-high 16 yard run kicked off the eventual scoring drive that ended with Allen punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown to push Washington ahead, 17-7, before halftime. Allen did reel in one catch on a pair of targets, though others at the position could be better suited to add that element.
Henry may have been the biggest beneficiary of a limited room after entering the game during the third series where his 11 yard run helped the offense step into scoring range after already starting the drive on a short field. What questions the 5-foot-9 back poses with his size, he makes up for with his run style after posting three runs over ten yards, including his 22-yard rushing touchdown that showed off his blend of patience and speed after rookie Matt Gulbin sealed the edge. Head coach Dan Quinn also praised Henry for his pass protection, which isn't an easy thing for a young back to master whether transitioning to college or NFL.
"I just didn't see any flinch in the two of them for their first games," head coach Dan Quinn said.
Though the two rookies were the ones who drew all the headlines, they weren't the only running backs to suit up after Jerome Ford drew one carry for four yards, potentially indicative of his uphill climb to claim a spot on the 53-man roster.
The question over the next two weeks may be whether Henry can add a different element to the running back room given Croskey-Merritt also returns as a speed back complementing Rachaad White's threat as a receiving back. While the front office brought in four running backs for a tryout on Sunday, it could be the current room who has the leg up. With White and Croskey-Merritt looking to cement the top of the room, Allen and potentially Henry now have a chance to elevate the floor of the room.
