As if things weren’t terrible enough for the Washington Commanders after three straight losses put them to 7-5 and left them on the brink of the NFC playoffs, injuries could be the team’s defining tale in the second half of the season.
More specifically, Commanders running backs continue to sustain injuries.
Brian Robinson (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) were both injured in a 34-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, and neither is expected to return for Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans before a much-needed bye in Week 14.
That’s why the Commanders should think about bringing in outside aid in the shape of veteran free agent running back Latavius Murray, a former Pro Bowler who could jump in and help the team survive for a few weeks while they try to find their way back to winning
Murray is in his 12th NFL season and spent 2023 with the Buffalo Bills, where he accumulated 419 yards from scrimmage — 300 rushing and 119 receiving — and four touchdowns in four starts as the NFL’s oldest running back.
Murray, 34, told Go Long’s Tyler Dunne that he didn’t want his age to determine whether a team gave him another chance to play in the league.
Murray told Long in May 2024 that when they reach a certain age, they face more scrutiny than other positions. “I understand that the quarterback position does not perform the same function as ours. But what is our position? When you reach 30, they think, ‘Why would we even contemplate this?’ I want to eliminate that stigma. I’m motivated to show that you can play for longer.”
Pro Bowl Season Highlights Journeyman NFL Career
Murray has moved around the league throughout his 11 seasons in the NFL, which began with the Oakland Raiders selecting him in the sixth round (No. 181 overall) of the 2013 NFL draft from UCF.
Murray has played for six NFL clubs, including two stints with the New Orleans Saints. In 2015, he had his greatest season with the Raiders, making his only Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,066 yards and six touchdowns to go with 41 receptions for 232 yards.
Murray has more than 1,000 yards of total offence in 2015 and 2016, and he has more than 800 yards of total offence in seven of his eleven seasons, including 892 yards and six touchdowns for the Saints and Denver Broncos in 2022.
Murray’s career earnings from 11 seasons total $22.1 million.
Ekeler, Robinson Both struggled with injuries.
Ekeler is in concussion protocol after suffering his second concussion of the season and appearing utterly comatose after being hit late in the Cowboys loss.
This season, both Robinson and Ekeler have missed games due to injuries: Robinson three with an ankle issue and Ekeler one with his first concussion.
Murray, on the other hand, has remained the best free agency running back available for the majority of the season, per Sharp Football Analysis. He also appears to be a stronger alternative than the Commanders’ current top choice, third-string running back Jeremy McNichols, who is fourth on the team with 44 carries for 217 yards and four touchdowns.
