Commanders Get Positive Injury Updates on White and Settle
The Washington Commanders received encouraging news on the injury front Monday as head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that running back Rachaad White is back on the field for individual work after missing time with a hamstring injury.
"You'll see [White] back on the field doing individual sessions today," Quinn told reporters Monday morning, as reported by Heavy.
White has not practiced since suffering the injury during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 12. According to Newsweek, White tweaked his hamstring in that session and missed multiple practices over the past couple of weeks. He is not yet participating in 11-on-11 drills, a step he still needs to take to return to full activity.
In addition to White, defensive tackle Tim Settle is set for a full return to practice and is expected to play in the Commanders' preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Friday. Settle has been sidelined with a calf strain suffered during practice around two weeks ago, according to Newsweek.
White's Role and Contract
White signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Washington in March, reuniting with former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels. The team expects White to share the backfield with second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, forming a complementary duo, as reported by both Heavy and Newsweek.
Across four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, White accumulated 2,656 rushing yards, 1,450 receiving yards, and 25 total touchdowns, according to Newsweek. His best season came in 2023 when he rushed for a career-high 990 yards and added 549 receiving yards, totaling 1,539 scrimmage yards on 336 touches—a career high. That season included six rushing touchdowns and three receiving scores.
In 2025, White recorded 572 rushing yards and four touchdowns with Tampa Bay, along with 40 receptions for 218 yards. He missed only one game over his four seasons with the Buccaneers, highlighting his durability.
White did not play in the Commanders' Week 2 preseason game against the Detroit Lions, part of a larger injury list that included Settle and other players.
Settle's Return Bolsters Defensive Line
Settle signed a three-year deal in March after two seasons with the Houston Texans. Originally a fifth-round pick by Washington in 2018, he returns to the team that drafted him. Last season with the Texans, Settle appeared in 12 games, recording 15 total tackles, three tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and one sack before suffering a season-ending foot injury in December. Now healthy, he is expected to help anchor the defensive line alongside Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Charles Omenihu, as outlined by Newsweek.
Croskey-Merritt's Injury Adds to Backfield Concerns
While White's progress is positive, the Commanders' backfield faces another concern. According to beat writer Ben Standig, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt pulled up at the end of a catch-and-run during Thursday's practice and is dealing with a lower-body injury. He was seen working in a limited capacity, suggesting the issue may not be severe, but it adds to a growing list of injuries in camp.
With White out and Croskey-Merritt limited, the only healthy running backs in camp are rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry, along with veteran Craig Reynolds, as reported by NBC Sports. Backup Jeremy McNichols is dealing with a quad injury, and Jerome Ford was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. ESPN's John Keim expects an update on White's status to come Tuesday morning.
Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed "Bill," has drawn attention for his improved passing game and pass protection. Quinn said the team told the back to add bulk and become a bigger factor in the passing game, while running backs coach Anthony Lynn has expressed positivity about his potential. Allen, a Penn State product who led the Nittany Lions in rushing in 2025 with 210 carries, 1,303 yards, and 15 touchdowns, could see an increased role if White were to miss time.
White's return to individual drills marks a step forward, but he will need to ramp up to full team activity before he can take the field in game action. With the preseason finale against Baltimore approaching, the Commanders will be monitoring both White and Croskey-Merritt closely as they finalize their roster and prepare for the regular season.