Why did the Commanders sign another running back?

The Washington Commanders sat almost all of their starters in Friday’s 20-7 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins. That list included starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt and the player he’ll share time with, Rachaad White. Veteran Jeremy McNichols also didn’t play.

Their absences created an opportunity for rookie running backs, sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen and undrafted free agent Robert Henry Jr. The rookies took advantage, combining for 160 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Both were impressive, with Allen leading the way with 85 yards. However, Henry looked explosive and could force his way onto the 53-man roster.

Veteran Jerome Ford also played in Friday’s game, carrying the ball one time.

Considering how well Washington’s rookies looked, it was a bit surprising on Monday when it was revealed that the Commanders were signing veteran back Craig Reynolds. When head coach Dan Quinn met with the media on Sunday, he provided some clarity on McNichols.

“So, Jeremy, he’ll be out for a few weeks,” Quinn said. "He’s got a pretty good quad injury, so he will not be back in for this week. You’ll see him off to the side, working some rehab into that spot, but he’s got a pretty good quad injury that’ll take a few weeks, for sure.”

On Tuesday, Quinn added another running back’s name to the injury list.

“He had a hamstring injury from the game,” Quinn said about Ford. He was later moved to the reserve/injured list.

With White not playing Friday and missing practice Tuesday and Wednesday, some wondered whether he was dealing with an injury. He is. Mike. Garafolo of the NFL Network revealed that White injured his hamstring in last week’s joint practice with the Dolphins.

Regarding #Commanders RB Rachaad White’s absence the last few days, he tweaked his hamstring in the joint practice with the #Dolphins. Worked out prior to Friday’s game. Not considered serious or long-term for White, who’s excelled in David Blough’s offense in OTAs and camp. pic.twitter.com/pG7QRyWOcM

So, while it didn’t initially make sense that the Commanders were bringing in another running back, especially given how well the rookies played, it does now.

Ford is gone. McNichols should return before the end of the summer, but if he doesn’t, the Commanders know everything he provides. He’s been a valuable reserve for the past two seasons. Now, Washington is dealing with an injury to White. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear to be serious, but it probably means we’re unlikely to see Croskey-Merritt in Saturday’s preseason game against the Lions. With White already sidelined, Washington may choose not to risk playing their starter in a meaningless game, even if it’s only a few snaps.

In the meantime, Reynolds gives the Commanders a proven veteran. He also knows David Blough’s offense from their shared time with the Lions.

While Washington is currently battling some injuries, the running back position looks much different now than it did before training camp began.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Why did the Commanders sign another running back?