Who Is Returning Kicks For Commanders?

The Washington Commanders suffered two key injuries last week to running back Austin Ekeler and receiver Jamison Crowder last week. Both have been ruled out this week. They were Washington’s kick returners as well, so what’s the plan moving forward?

Dan Quinn has himself a list.

“Yes, Olamide (Zacchaeus) will be one. Luke’s (McCaffrey) been getting back there,” coach Quinn said, “On the kick return side, we’ve certainly worked with J-Mic (Jeremy McNichols), Noah’s (Igbinoghene) done that. So, in that way, we are not going to replace Austin.''

During training camp, everyone got touches back there to see who could be most impactful for the team. Quinn explained his philosophy behind that.

“When you do have a big, deep crew, you do work a lot of guys,” Quinn explained. “When these situations come up, you need to be ready for it. So, through practices and preseason games, gaining that experience is really important.”

It will be very important today. The Commanders are in Arizona trying to win their third straight game and move atop the NFC East. They have to win in all three phases of the game, including special teams.

Related: Commanders Defensive Players to Watch vs. Cardinals

The Commanders can ill afford to have a turnover, or lose field position due to bad decisions by the guys filling in for their normal returners.

We are sure that coach Quinn and his staff have been preaching that same message all week as well. The Commanders and Cardinals kick off from the desert at 4:05 p.m. ET.