Why Jacori Croskey-Merritt reported a limited practice

The Washington Commanders dropped their fourth straight game, falling to 3-6 entering Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on sunday night football. To make matters worse, Washington’s embarrassing 38-14 nationally televised loss was compounded by significant injuries.

Marshawn Lattimore is done for the season with a torn ACL. And, of course, a star quarterback Jaden Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow it will bypass him indefinitely.

Considering the extent of the Commanders’ injury problems, Jacori Croskey-Merritt’s training status is relatively insignificant. But the reason Croskey-Merritt was limited is unusual. “JCM obviously had some dental work recently. It’s no joke. The Commanders put him in a non-contact jersey for practice on Wednesday,” Commanders reporter Ben Standig said, via RotoWorld.

Fortunately, the rookie running back should suit up for Washington’s Week 10 matchup with the Detroit Lions. Bill is not expected to miss Sunday’s game.

Croskey-Merritt sees a dip in production during the Commanders’ losing streak

While Croskey-Merritt is expected to play against Detroit, his role in the matchup is less clear. The seventh-round draft pick emerged as the Commanders’ best RB after the team traded Brian Robinson Jr. for the San Francisco 49ers.

However, JCM is not involved in Washington’s offense (eight receptions in nine games). And with the Commanders’ stout defense struggling against the Lions’ high-octane offense, Washington may have to leave the run early.

Croskey-Merritt’s usage and production has varied greatly from game to game this season. But he has undoubtedly experienced a slump in the Commanders’ four-game losing streak.

Through the first five games of the season, Beal scored all four touchdowns. Although he has more carries in his last four games than his first five contests, he has run for fewer yards. Croskey-Merritt had 283 rushing yards on 43 yards on 1st-5 compared to 157 yards on 51st 6-9.

Marcus Mariota will get his fourth start of the season in Week 10 in place of the injured Daniels. The Commanders went 1-2 with Mariota under center this season.