Injuries are a big part of the NFL, so Washington head coach Dan Quinn provided updates Sunday, including on veteran running back Jeremy McNichols. McNichols missed all of last week due to a thigh injury the previous week. When Quinn was asked about McNichols during Sunday’s press conference, he responded: “Jeremy will be out for a few weeks. He’s got a pretty good quad injury, so he will not be back in for this week. And you’ll see him off to the side, working some rehab, in that spot. But he’s got a pretty good quad injury that will take a few weeks for sure.”
Jeremy McNichols to the house for Washington! 🏡 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/v1XZgqfdpY — FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 21, 2025 In 2024 and 2025, McNichols impressed in both training camps with his receiving out of the backfield, veteran experience in pass protection, and play on both return and coverage teams. So he made the 53-man active roster both seasons. However, in 2026, McNichols is a year older (31 in December), and the Commanders have added four new running backs. They signed Jerome Ford as a free agent from the Browns and Rachaad White as a free agent from the Bucs. The Commanders also drafted Penn State’s Kaytron Allen and signed undrafted running back Robert Henry Jr. Friday night in preseason game number one, Allen gained 85 yards on 23 carries, including a rushing touchdown. Most importantly, Allen never posted a negative-yard carry. Henry dazzled with a 15-yard run followed by a 22-yard touchdown run. He concluded his first NFL preseason experience with 75 yards in only 12 carries. McNichols missing another week means Allen and Henry will get many more reps this week. In addition, on Saturday, the rookie pair of backs would be in line to again receive most of the snaps and carries in the second preseason game of 2026. The final running back spot on the Commanders' roster is going to be worth your close attention all of this preseason. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: One injury could change Commanders' plans at running back