| News |
|---|
|
John Bates John Bates Logs one catch in Week 15 win
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 7:58 PM
Bates caught his lone target for 19 yards during the Commanders' 29-21 win over the Giants on Sunday.
Analysis: Bates hauled in a 19-yard pass from Marcus Mariota early in the second quarter, but the fifth-year tight end wasn't targeted again for the rest of the game. Bates was named the starter for Sunday's NFC East clash one week after Zach Ertz sustained a season-ending torn ACL, though the former will likely operate in a timeshare with Ben Sinnott for the rest of 2025. Next up for Bates and the Commanders is a Week 16 home tilt against the Eagles on Saturday. |
|
Deebo Samuel Deebo Samuel Three grabs in win over Giants
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 4:08 PM
Samuel caught three of five targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 29-21 win over the Giants.
Analysis: Marcus Mariota completed only 10 passes in total on the day, with Samuel and Terry McLaurin the only players to catch more than one of them, but Samuel's longest gain went for only 18 yards. The veteran wideout has hauled in multiple passes in every game he's played this season, and his 65 receptions through 13 contests are already the second-highest total of his career after his 77 in 2021 with the 49ers. Samuel will look for his first TD since Week 11 in a Week 16 clash with the Eagles. |
|
Terry McLaurin Terry McLaurin One big play in Week 15 win
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 4:00 PM
McLaurin caught three of four targets for 69 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-21 win over the Giants.
Analysis: The Commanders' top wideout was having a quiet day until connecting with Marcus Mariota on a 51-yard score in the fourth quarter. It's McLaurin's second TD in three games since returning from a quadriceps injury, a stretch in which he's posted a 13-216-2 line on 24 targets. Whether Mariota or Jayden Daniels (elbow) is under center in Week 16 against the Eagles, McLaurin figures to be his QB's top downfield option. |
|
Jeremy McNichols Jeremy McNichols Sees double-digit touches in win
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 3:57 PM
McNichols carried the ball nine times for just six yards and caught his only target for 16 yards in Sunday's 29-21 win over the Giants. He also lost a fumble.
Analysis: With Chris Rodriguez (groin) unavailable, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders' backfield with 18 carries for 96 yards and a TD, but McNichols also saw double-digit touches for the first time all season, although he did little with the volume and also had the fourth-quarter turnover. It's not yet clear if Rodriguez will be able to return in Week 16 against the Eagles, but McNichols will be little more than a dart throw either way for fantasy purposes. He's topped 50 scrimmage yards in a game just twice this year, and he hasn't gotten into the end zone since Week 3. |
|
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Jacory Croskey-Merritt Gets into end zone in Week 15 win
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 3:51 PM
Croskey-Merritt carried the ball 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-21 win over the Giants.
Analysis: With Chris Rodriguez (groin) ruled out, Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders backfield in touches with 18 to Jeremy McNichols' 10, and the rookie RB turned that season-high volume into his best performance -- and first trip to the end zone -- since Week 5. The strong effort may push Croskey-Merritt back into a more prominent role in the offense even after Rodriguez returns, but his fantasy appeal will hinge on the more experienced back's health in Week 16 against the Eagles. |
|
Marcus Mariota Marcus Mariota Quiet in win over Giants
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 3:45 PM
Mariota completed 10 of 19 passes for 211 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-21 win over the Giants. He added 43 rushing yards on 10 carries and committed two fumbles, losing one.
Analysis: The Commanders leaned heavily on their ground attack for offense and also benefitted from a punt return TD by Jaylin Lane, but Mariota did hit Terry McLaurin for a 51-yard score in the fourth quarter to help put the game away. Washington's already eliminated from the playoffs and has little reason to rush Jayden Daniels (elbow) back into the lineup, but Mariota and his 10:7 TD:INT through 10 games is still just a placeholder for the second-year QB heading into a Week 16 matchup with the Eagles. |
|
Noah Brown Noah Brown Ruled out with rib injury
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 1:48 PM
Brown won't return to Sunday's game at the Giants due to a rib injury.
Analysis: When Brown exited in the first half, the Commanders listed him with a back issue, which since has been reclassified to a different health concern. With Brown out for the rest of Week 15, Treylon Burks and Jaylin Lane will be the tertiary wide receivers in Washington's offense behind top options Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. |
|
Noah Brown Noah Brown Exits Sunday's game
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 12:48 PM
Brown was forced out of Sunday's game against the Giants with a back injury.
Analysis: Prior to his exit, Brown caught his only target for 28 yards. In his absence, Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Treylon Burks and Jaylin Lane are available to handle the Commanders' WR duties. |
|
Jeremy McNichols Jeremy McNichols More work available with Rodriguez out
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 10:52 AM
McNichols is in line for more work Sunday at the Giants with Chris Rodriguez (groin) inactive for the contest.
Analysis: Rodriguez logged a pair of limited practices during Week 15 prep due to a groin issue, and after being listed as questionable ahead of the weekend, he'll get at least one week off to focus on his rehab. His 55 touches from the past five outings thus are available, but Jacory Croskey-Merritt seems likeliest to benefit on early downs, while McNichols serves in a change-of-pace role. McNichols is averaging 3.8 touches for 27.8 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring one rushing TD in 13 appearances on the campaign. |
|
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Jacory Croskey-Merritt Set for more work with Rodriguez out
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 10:47 AM
Croskey-Merritt is in line for an increased workload Sunday at the Giants with Chris Rodriguez (groin) inactive for the contest.
Analysis: Rodriguez managed a pair of limited practices during Week 15 prep due to a groin injury, and after being listed as questionable ahead of the weekend, he'll get at least one week off to focus on his recovery. His 55 touches from the last five games thus are up for grabs, and Croskey-Merritt is the likeliest to benefit in the Commanders backfield due to his ability to handle early downs, while Jeremy McNichols serves as a change-of-pace option. A rookie seventh-round pick, Croskey-Merritt has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and 7.6 yards per catch among his 134 touches in 13 games to begin his career. |
|
Deebo Samuel Deebo Samuel Suiting up Sunday
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 10:39 AM
Samuel (illness) is active for Sunday's game at the Giants.
Analysis: Samuel didn't practice Friday due to an illness and ultimately was deemed questionable for Week 15 action. His lack of inclusion on the Commanders' list of inactives Sunday has cleared him to resume his typical role, which has meant 70-plus percent of the offensive snaps in nine of his 12 appearances this season. Having said that, with top TE Zach Ertz out for the rest of the campaign due to an ACL tear that he suffered last Sunday in Minnesota, Samuel may experience a slight uptick in his usual 6.3 touches per game moving forward. |
|
Chris Rodriguez Chris Rodriguez Inactive in Week 15
Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 10:34 AM
Rodriguez (groin) is listed as inactive Sunday at the Giants.
Analysis: After being held out of Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury, Rodriguez capped Week 15 prep with back-to-back limited sessions, leaving him questionable for Sunday's game. With his lack of availability now confirmed, Rodriguez's workload from the last five contests (55 touches) likely will be split between Jacory Croskey-Merritt (45 during that span) and Jeremy McNichols (22), while Chase Edmonds also is on hand. Rodriguez's next chance to suit up is next Saturday against the Eagles. |
|
Chris Rodriguez Chris Rodriguez Looking like game-time decision
Sat, Dec 13, 2025, 10:27 PM
Rodriguez, who is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Giants due to a groin injury, plans to determine in pre-game warmups if he's able to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Rodriguez managed a pair of limited practices to end the week, but he remains very iffy for Sunday's matchup. Fantasy managers who roster Rodriguez should plan to check in around 90 minutes ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET start time to learn whether the third-year running back is going to be able to give it a shot. If Rodriguez ends up sitting out the contest, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will likely take on the bulk of Washington's RB reps. |
|
Deebo Samuel Deebo Samuel In line to suit up Sunday
Sat, Dec 13, 2025, 10:10 PM
Samuel, who is officially questionable to play against the Giants on Sunday due to an illness, is expected to give it a go, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Samuel came down with an illness near the end of the week and didn't practice Friday. However, he seems to be feeling better and thus appears likely to take the field against New York. He'll be working with QB Marcus Mariota, as Jayden Daniels has been ruled out due to a left elbow injury. |
|
Deebo Samuel Deebo Samuel Questionable due to illness
Fri, Dec 12, 2025, 3:06 PM
Samuel (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at the Giants.
Analysis: The Commanders added Samuel to their injury report at the end of the week, labeling him as a non-participant Friday. He'll have a couple of days to recover before a favorable matchup with the Giants at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. With TE Zach Ertz (knee) out for the season, QB Marcus Mariota already is running low on reliable pass catchers beyond Terry McLaurin. |
|
Chris Rodriguez Chris Rodriguez Questionable for Sunday
Fri, Dec 12, 2025, 3:03 PM
Rodriguez (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at the Giants.
Analysis: The Commanders listed Rodriguez as a limited participant Thursday and Friday, after holding him out from Wednesday's session. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will take on larger roles if Rodriguez is declared inactive before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday. |
|
Jayden Daniels Jayden Daniels Not cleared for contact yet
Fri, Dec 12, 2025, 12:51 PM
Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contract, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Analysis: An earlier report said Daniels was cleared for contact despite already being ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Giants. It turns out that was just a typo or transcription error, with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn having actually said the opposite. Still, Quinn didn't rule Daniels out beyond Week 15 and once again suggested that the QB won't be shut down for the year unless he's truly unable to play. In any case, Marcus Mariota will start against the Giants on Sunday. |
|
Jayden Daniels Jayden Daniels Not cleared for contact
Fri, Dec 12, 2025, 11:42 AM
Daniels (elbow) has not been cleared for contact, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Daniels re-injured his dislocated left elbow in his first game back in the lineup, making an early exit from the blowout loss at Minnesota in Week 14. The Commanders will now start Marcus Mariota in Week 15 against the Giants, but Daniels hasn't been ruled out beyond that despite not having clearance for contact. |
|
Deebo Samuel Deebo Samuel Misses practice with illness
Fri, Dec 12, 2025, 11:39 AM
Samuel missed Friday's practice due to an illness, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Terry McLaurin also was absent, but in his case it was a planned maintenance day. Samuel's absence is somewhat more concerning, though he'll have a couple of days to get healthy before a matchup with the Giants on Sunday. Commanders coach Dan Quinn didn't comment Friday on expectations for Samuel's availability. |
|
Chris Rodriguez Chris Rodriguez Upgrades to limited Thursday
Thu, Dec 11, 2025, 3:07 PM
Rodriguez (groin) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.
Analysis: Rodriguez didn't practice Wednesday, so Thursday's limited participation marks a step in the right direction. He has received a plurality of touches in Washington's backfield in recent weeks, working slightly ahead of Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. If Rodriguez maintains that role Sunday, he could find success against a vulnerable Giants run defense, but he may need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid an injury designation. |
Connect With Us:
