NFL Player News

Croskey-Merritt looks set to operate as Washington's lead backfield option Week 17 with Chris Rodriguez (illness) inactive for Thursday's contest against the Cowboys.

Croskey-Merritt will have a chance to operate in an expanded role in a favorable divisional matchup on Christmas Day, as he and Rodriguez have split backfield opportunities for Washington down the stretch of the regular season. With Rodriguez inactive due to an illness after having been added to the team's injury report Thursday morning, Croskey-Merritt could now handle a workload similar to what he saw Week 15 versus the Giants. Rodriguez couldn't face New York due to a groin injury, paving the way for Croskey-Merritt to log a career-high 18 carries for 96 yards and one score. Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds are available as change-of-pace options behind Croskey-Merritt.

Flott (knee) was estimated as a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

New York didn't hold an actual practice Thursday, but this is nonetheless the second straight day Flott has been listed as a limited practice participant. The fourth-year cornerback hurt his knee Sunday against the Vikings and wasn't able to finish the game. His status for Sunday's game against Las Vegas is looking iffy, and either Deonte Banks -- who is dealing with a shoulder injury of his own -- or Korie Black would likely step in to start if Flott is ultimately ruled out.

Flournoy (knee) is listed as inactive Thursday at Washington, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Flournoy was forced out of this past Sunday's loss to the Chargers in the first half due to a knee injury and wasn't able to return. He proceeded to be limited at Monday's walkthrough, but a lack of on-field work Tuesday and Wednesday seemingly forecast his imminent inactive status. With Flournoy out Week 17, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Tolbert will be the tertiary wide receivers behind starters CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Next up for Flournoy is a Week 18 road matchup with the Giants.

Hartman is inactive for Thursday's game against the Cowboys but will act as Washington's emergency No. 3 quarterback.

Hartman will only be eligible to suit up versus Dallas on Thursday if both Josh Johnson and Jeff Driskel are forced out of the Christmas Day contest. His opportunity to handle the emergency role comes with Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota (hand) both already ruled out. Hartman is still vying for a chance to make his regular-season debut.

Rodriguez (illness) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Rodriguez was added to the Commanders' injury report Thursday morning due to an illness, and now that he's been deemed inactive, look for Jacory Croskey-Merritt to lead a Week 17 backfield that also includes Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds. Rodriguez thus will target a return to action in his team's season finale Week 18 against the Eagles.

Nunez-Roches (ankle) is estimated as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report, per Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site.

Nunez-Roches was limited at practice Wednesday, and it's unclear why he was downgraded on Thursday's practice estimation. The veteran defensive lineman has missed each of New York's past two contests because of an ankle injury. Darius Alexander has been seeing a bit more defensive snaps during that span.

Nubin is listed as DNP on Thursday's estimated practice report due to a neck injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

This is the second straight day Nubin has been labeled DNP, so his status for Sunday's matchup against Las Vegas is up in the air. The second-year safety will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to have a realistic chance of taking the field in Week 17. Nubin notched his first career NFL touchdown last week against Minnesota when he scooped up a fumble and returned it for a score.

Bolton (illness) is questionable for Thursday's Week 17 game against Denver.

Bolton popped up on the injury report as limited Wednesday after coming down with an illness. His official status for Thursday may not be known until the Chiefs release their list of inactives approximately 90 minutes prior to the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Should Bolton be unable to play, Jack Cochrane could draw a start at linebacker.

St. Brown (knee), who is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

St. Brown is managing irritation in his knee and put forth a listed DNP/LP/LP practice slate in preparation for Week 17 action. Though his status likely won't be made official until roughly 90 minutes prior to Thursday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff, Rapoport said it's expected that the star wideout will be a full-go on the road versus the Vikings. St. Brown is already up to 11 receiving touchdowns across 15 regular-season appearances, meaning he only needs one more such score to tie the career-high mark he set in 2024.

Montgomery (illness), who is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Vikings, is expected to play, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Montgomery was added to Detroit's injury report as a non-participant at Tuesday's walkthrough session and then managed to handle limited practice reps in Wednesday's walk-through, so it's always seemed as though he was trending in the right direction. While Montgomery's status won't be official until roughly 90 minutes prior to Thursday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff, the expectation is that he'll be able to play through his illness and handle his usual role as the top complementary option to Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery has now gone six straight games without recording double-digit carries, though he's scored in three of his last four appearances.