Have you noticed Jeremy McNichols has been very quiet in training camp?
McNichols, a 30-year-old running back out of Boise State, has been virtually silent in this 2026 training camp. Local media covering the Commanders in training camp have had little to say regarding McNichols. In one sense, that is always something to take note of regarding a player.
On the other side of the coin, isn’t this typically true for McNichols? A member of the 2024 and 2025 Commanders, McNichols was overshadowed both training camps by more ‘exciting’ prospects. Yet it was McNichols who, in both preseasons, proved himself by performing very important functions, such as picking up blitzes and hustling down on coverage teams.
Jeremy McNichols absolutely destroys Germaine Pratt on this play.
— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) September 24, 2024
What a block. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/1tsDRFqZhg
As a result, McNichols was there on the roster both seasons, continuing to excel on special teams and being dependable in pass protection and third-down pass receiving when given the opportunity. In addition, it was McNichols who pulled off the second-longest rushing attempt for the Commanders last season when he broke a tackle and ran 60 yards for a touchdown against the Raiders.
However, this year might there be a difference worth noting? McNichols is injured. His physical limitation is a strained quadriceps; thus, McNichols has been absent this week. McNichols will turn 31 on December 26, and the Commanders this offseason signed RB Jerome Ford (Cleveland Browns), who will turn 27 in September, but did rush for 813 yards in 2023 and averaged 5.4 yards a carry in 2024. Also this offseason, GM Adam Peters drafted Kaytron Allen (Penn State) and signed Robert Henry Jr. (UTSA) and Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Bucs).
With White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt getting a lot of work Wednesday in the scrimmage, and McNichols injured, look for Ford, Allen and Henry to get most of the work in the backfield in Friday’s first preseason game against the Dolphins at Northwest Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What is Commanders' plan at running back in NFL preseason opener?