The Washington Commanders are preparing to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday as they seek to maintain momentum following their recent upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The team has shown signs of optimism, particularly with the progress of quarterback Sam Howell and some key defensive adjustments, but challenges remain, especially in the secondary and backfield.
Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones recently benched cornerback Mike Sainristil in favor of Rasul Douglas, rotating Douglas and Fabian Moreau at outside cornerback. Despite the demotion, Sainristil remained the primary nickelback, playing nearly 40 percent of defensive snaps last week. However, Sainristil has struggled this season, allowing five touchdowns—the most among NFL defensive backs—and permitting an 83.3 percent catch rate on passes targeted his way. Douglas has also faced difficulties, leading the team with 123 receiving yards allowed. The coaching staff is allowing time for improvement but has not ruled out further lineup changes once cornerback Trey Amos returns from an ankle injury next week.
Washington’s rushing game has been uneven, averaging 132 yards per game but only 3.6 yards per carry among running backs, ranking 24th in the league. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been the primary ball carrier, starting all three games with 142 rushing yards on 47 attempts but with production down from his rookie season, averaging just 3.0 yards per run this year. Meanwhile, veteran Rachaad White has been more efficient, averaging 4.5 yards per carry with fewer touches and contributing significantly in the passing game with nine receptions, 51 yards, and two touchdowns. White is managing a shoulder injury sustained against Seattle and did not practice Wednesday, leaving his status for Sunday uncertain. The Commanders also signed Austin Ekeler on Monday, who practiced Wednesday but may not see action Sunday as he adapts to the offense after recovering from a torn Achilles last season.
The Commanders' defense will face a tough test against Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who ranks sixth in rushing yards league-wide. Washington’s defense has been effective against the run, limiting opponents to an average of 3.8 yards per carry, ranked 12th in the NFL, and leading the league with a 25 percent “stuff” rate—stopping runs at or behind the line of scrimmage. The defensive line, anchored by Tim Settle Jr., Javon Kinlaw, and Daron Payne, has shown disruption in the backfield, while outside linebackers Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson have contributed as edge setters. Inside linebacker Sonny Styles has also been instrumental in containing opposing rush attacks.
Injuries continue to affect the Commanders. Right guard Sam Cosmi (concussion) and safety Nick Cross (internal injury) did not travel to London for the game and will be unavailable Sunday. Nick Allegretti is expected to start at right guard for the second consecutive game, with Lucas Patrick filling in at center. The offensive line struggled against Seattle’s front but faces a Colts defense that allows 4.9 yards per carry (28th) and has a low pass-rush pressure rate of 26.8 percent (29th). Safety Percy Butler cleared concussion protocol and practiced Wednesday, adding depth to the secondary. Linebacker Frankie Luvu (groin) and tight end Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) also returned to practice after missing recent games. Luvu’s presence is particularly important following the season-ending neck surgery for linebacker Leo Chenal and another injury to Jordan Magee.
As the Commanders prepare for this Sunday’s matchup in London, managing injuries and improving consistency on both sides of the ball will be critical to sustaining their early-season momentum against a Colts team seeking to rebound.