Facing the Miami Dolphins in Madrid in Week 11 is a chance for Washington Commanders starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to snap a recent drought, even after a major injury update about tight end Ben Sinnott.
He’s a key part of the Commanders’ blocking schemes, but second-year pro Sinnott has been ruled out of the game on Sunday November 16, “due to his ankle injury,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It’s a blow for a Washington running game that is still the most effective part of coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, has been the main beneficiary of the scheme, but his production has waned in recent weeks.
Fortunately, one of Schefter’s colleagues, Seth Walder, believes the Dolphins present the right matchup for Croskey-Merritt to get back on track. Walder is predicting Croskey-Merritt “will record at least 80 rushing yards for the first time in over a month. Why? Because the Commanders are averaging 2.5 yards per carry after contact (second most in the NFL), while the Dolphins’ defense has allowed 2.2 yards per carry after contact (fourth most).”
This is a sound prediction because of problems the Dolphins are having against the run. Along with Croskey-Merritt being helped by the presence of a veteran player who still excels in the area where Sinnott has been getting better this season.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Needs Bounce Back Game vs. Dolphins
Numbers from ESPN Research show “the Commanders average 4.9 yards per rush, sixth highest in the NFL. On the contrary, the Dolphins allow 4.9 yards per rush, fifth worst in the NFL.”
Those are positive omens for Croskey-Merritt enjoying the kind of bounce back game he needs to produce. Standout performances have been in short supply since the 24-year-old began his debut campaign looking like an elite lead back, by averaging four or more yards per attempt in four of his first five games, per Pro Football Reference.
The problem is Croskey-Merritt hasn’t averaged as much as four yards per rush in any game since. He hasn’t been helped by the Commanders routinely trailing by double-digit points in each of their last four games, but having to throw more often doesn’t completely explain the slow down in Washington’s rushing attack.
Injuries to star quarterback Jayden Daniels and No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin haven’t helped. Not needing to cover their connection on deep passes has allowed defenses to stack the box with safety help and give Croskey-Merritt less room to run.
The Commanders have also struggled to win up front, even with Sinnott putting run defenders on skates. Fortunately, Kingsbury can still use an unheralded senior player to revive his rushing attack.
Commanders Can Offset Ben Sinnott’s Absence
Washington’s template for Sinnott’s role is provided by incumbent John Bates. He’s a secret superstar whose aptitude for blocking essentially gives the Commanders a sixth offensive lineman at the point of attack.
Bates will help his team maul a Dolphins defensive front pushed around at times this season. Having Croskey-Merritt follow Bates’ lead and get to the edges can create the big plays the Commanders have been missing on the deck.
It’s won’t be all about the running game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, so the Commanders will need a viable threat from the pass. Daniels’ stand-in Marcus Mariota will appreciate the ongoing presence and expertise of Bates’ fellow tight end, 35-year-old Zach Ertz.
Between them, Ertz and Bates will define how the Commanders move the ball on the ground and through the air against the Dolphins and ensure Sinnott’s absence won’t be a major problem.
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