Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (illness) was able to practice in full on Thursday after he was held out due to illness on Wednesday. Croskey-Merritt had his second 100-yard game and two rushing touchdowns in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. out due to illness. Rodriguez is back in the fold for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this weekend, though, so fantasy managers will want to lower expectations for Croskey-Merritt in the final game of his rookie season. The 24-year-old JCM could be Washington's lead back against the Eagles, but Rodriguez's presence will definitely cap the rookie's upside this weekend.
Jan 1, 2026 4:37 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a big showing in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. The 24-year-old has played some of his best football of late, logging 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries over his last three games. Croskey-Merritt has benefited from the absence of Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness), who has missed two out of the last three weeks with various ailments. Croskey-Merritt played 64% of Washington's offensive snaps in Week 17 with Rodriguez Jr. sidelined, but just 20% of the snaps in Week 16 with Rodriguez Jr. active. Still, Croskey-Merritt's improved performance of late could lead the team to shift more carries his way even if Rodriguez Jr. returns. Croskey-Merritt may be worth targeting in all fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams heading into his Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dec 29, 2025 10:33 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has scored in back-to-back weeks for the first time this season. Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, played only 11 snaps in last week's loss to the Eagles, but handled eight carries for 25 yards and a score. The rookie seventh-rounder was still firmly behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. in snaps and touches, but he earned more work on the goal line, outcarrying Rodriguez four to three inside the 10. The Commanders could be starting Josh Johnson at QB this week, with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) uncertain to play on a short week. That would limit the fantasy appeal for Croskey-Merritt. Plus, he has a tough matchup against a Dallas Cowboys defense that is allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game since acquiring Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline. JCM projects as a desperation flex option for Week 17.
Dec 24, 2025 9:12 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt saw a decreased workload in Week 16 with the return of teammate Chris Rodriguez Jr., but was still productive, scoring his second touchdown in as many games. Croskey-Merritt toted the rock just eight times (25 yards) in Washington's 29-18 loss to the Eagles on Saturday -- ten fewer carries than he sported a week ago in Rodriguez's absence. However, he still played clearly ahead of Jeremy McNichols in the rushing attack, despite the latter pacing him in snaps 15-11. The 24-year-old may not garner the same upside he did at the beginning of the campaign, but fantasy managers in a pinch can turn to him for low-end flex production when Washington squares off with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.
Dec 22, 2025 12:19 PM EST
Despite a strong showing in Week 15, Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt appears to be heading back to his reserve role in Week 16. Chris Rodirguez Jr. was sidelined last week against the New York Giants, and Croskey-Merritt took advantage, totaling 96 yards on 18 carries. Unfortunately for the 2025 seven-round pick, Rodriguez is off the injury report and good to go for Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since Week 11, Rodriguez has played 44% of the snaps, while Croskey-Merritt has played 20%. While a strong showing in Week 15 could close the gap between the two, both backs are extremely risky against the Eagles.
Dec 19, 2025 8:17 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt delivered his best game in more than two months in the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, handling a season-high 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. Croskey-Merrit took advantage of his opportunities with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) out of the lineup, but Rodriguez will be back for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's to be determined if the rookie seventh-rounder earned a larger role with his strong performance, but he looked dynamic and reminded fantasy managers why he generated buzz earlier in the season. Croskey-Merritt struggled mightily after his breakout game in Week 5, ranking 38th out of 38 running backs with at least 40 carries with a 3.0 yards-per-carry average in Weeks 6-11. However, over the past three games, he's turned things around, averaging 5.1 yards per tote and ranking ninth among backs with at least 25 carries. It's another good matchup for Washington running backs in Week 16, as the Eagles have allowed the seventh-most yards per carry (4.5) this season, but with the uncertainty around Croskey-Merritt's role, he profiles only as a deep-league flex option.
Dec 18, 2025 6:08 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt operated as the team's lead runner in Week 15, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) ruled out with a groin injury. Croskey-Merritt delivered a strong performance, handling 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown in Washington's win over the New York Giants. Jeremy McNichols actually drew the start for Washington, but JCM ended up doubling him in carries. The rookie seventh-rounder found the end zone for the first time since his breakout performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he totalled 150 yards and two touchdowns. JCM looked decisive and explosive against the Giants, who notably have one of the worst run defenses in the league, but it was great to see the rookie deliver for fantasy managers who plugged him into their lineups for the first round of the fantasy playoffs. Croskey-Merritt could potentially work himself back into a more significant timeshare with McNichols and Rodriguez upon his return, creating a messy situation to sort through. He remains worth rostering and would project favorably again on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles if Rodriguez is out again on a short week.
Dec 17, 2025 12:32 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back out of Arizona, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, is officially back on the fantasy football radar as Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) was a game-time decision in Week 15 and was eventually ruled out shortly before the game, which led to Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, to earn 18 carries which he turned that into 98 yards (5.33) and a touchdown in the Commanders' 29-21 win over the New York Giants in Week 15. JCM looked good running the football, and his score came from 16 yards out. All of a sudden, this Commanders backfield gets a bit shaky after it had finally cleared up for us the past few weeks, with Rodriguez being the only one worth rostering. After JCM's performance in Week 15, it's possible the Commanders may want to give JCM some more run after an impressive performance, so if Rodriguez Jr., who had been playing well, returns in Week 16, all of a sudden, we are back to the three-running-back committee of Rodriguez, JCM, and Jeremy McNichols. All of which would become desperate plays in Week 16 of the fantasy football season. Regardless, JCM would be worth a waiver-wire pickup in case Rodriguez can't suit up in Week 16.
Dec 15, 2025 9:51 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has taken a back seat in the rushing attack recently, causing his value to slide ahead of the fantasy playoffs. The rookie garnered a ton of hype this summer and began the season as the clear leader of Washington's backfield. However, a significant dip in efficiency starting back in Week 6 has been a death knell for the 24-year-old's workload. Over that time frame, Croskey-Merritt has eclipsed 3.5 yards per carry in a given game on just three occasions. Conversely, teammate Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) has boasted double-digit carries in four of the last five games, marking a shift in the team's game plan. With Rodriguez Jr. questionable for Sunday's outing with the Giants, Croskey-Merritt may see a modest uptick in touch load. Still, he's clearly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff and can be avoided outside of a stash in dynasty formats.
Dec 14, 2025 2:17 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a trendy late-round upside pick in fantasy drafts in the fall, with Washington's backfield plans unsettled. He became even more popular off the waiver wire early in the season after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder out of Arizona had double-digit rushing attempts in five of six games from Weeks 5-10, accumulating 298 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries (3.9 yards per attempt). Bill has since fallen out of favor and has lost lead-back duties to Chris Rodriguez Jr. In the Sunday night overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, Croskey-Merritt played a season-low 14% of the snaps and had a season-low four carries for only 20 yards. He was also out-snapped by pass-catching back Jeremy McNichols. JCM is still rostered in just under 50% of Yahoo leagues, but in a three-back committee in Washington, he should be on benches entering Sunday's road matchup against Minnesota.
Dec 5, 2025 7:45 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has lost his lead role in the team's backfield over the past few weeks. Third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has taken over as the lead back for the Commanders, with Croskey-Merritt rotating in on early downs and veteran Jeremy McNichols holding down the pass-down responsibilities. The rookie seventh-rounder's production dropped off a cliff after the first five games of the season. After recording 43 carries for 283 yards (6.6 YPC) and four touchdowns to go with five receptions (seven targets) for 54 yards in Weeks 1 through 5, Croskey-Merritt has 71 carries for 215 yards and zero touchdowns with four receptions (six targets) for 14 yards in Weeks 6 through 11. That leaves him off fantasy radars for Sunday Night Football against a strong Denver Broncos defense that has allowed the 10th fewest PPR points per game to opposing running backs.
Nov 28, 2025 7:38 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has seen his role decrease over the past few weeks as Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw a season-high 15 carries in Week 11 and ran for a very solid 5.27 YPC. Meanwhile, in that same Week 11 game, Croskey-Merritt had only a 27 percent snap share, and although he carried the ball nine times and caught one pass, it produced only 33 all-purpose yards (3.11 YPC) against a weak Miami Dolphins defense. Rodriguez appears to have taken over primary duties in this backfield, and at this point, JCM is mostly a shot-in-the-dark option if Rodriguez were to get hurt. JCM broke out in Week 5 against the Chargers with 150 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns and earned the team's first rep opportunities for the proceeding weeks, but failed to capitalize on his opportunities with no game over a 3.59 YPC mark. His snap percentage and the team's running back opportunities have been dwindling each week in favor of Rodriguez Jr. At this point, JCM is considered droppable, but only for someone on the waiver wire who can provide your team with immediate value or is a high-level handcuff to roster for a playoff run. Week 13's matchup against the Denver Broncos is challenging for all Commander running backs, and neither is considered a start this week.
Nov 28, 2025 9:55 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, out of Arizona, has seen his role decrease over the past few weeks. Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw a season-high 15 carries in Week 11 and ran for a very solid 5.27 YPC. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt saw a 27 percent snap share, and although he carried the ball nine times and caught one pass, it all added up to 33 all-purpose yards (3.11 YPC) against the Miami Dolphins in Spain. The Commanders are on a bye in Week 12, and it appears that this running back room is starting to shape out in a way where Rodriguez will get a bulk of the carries, Croskey-Merrritt will be the change of pace back, and Jeremy McNichols will get mixed in as the pass-catching option. Knowing all of this, it makes Rodriguez the clear running back to own in this backfield, and Croskey-Merritt can be dropped to the waiver wire if your team is in a pinch and you need to fill the roster spot with someone that can help you win now. In Week 13, the Commanders get the Denver Broncos, where none of the running backs will be a recommended start, as the Broncos' defense ranks top 5 in points allowed against opposing running backs.
Nov 21, 2025 9:36 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has lost hold of the lead-back duties with Chris Rodriguez Jr. taking over in Week 10 against the Lions. Croskey-Merrit wound up leading Washington with 11 carries for 30 yards in the game, but that was due to Rodriguez leaving the game early with a shoulder injury. Rodriguez played 68% of the snaps to Croskey-Merritt's 16% in the first half and is off the injury report heading into Sunday. The past five games have been disappointing for the rookie seventh-rounder and ultimately led to the coaching staff going in a different direction with Rodriguez, who has done a better job of taking what is blocked. Croskey-Merritt should still be involved on some early downs, but he's best left on the bench for Washington's Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain.
Nov 14, 2025 8:02 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt entered Week 10 against the Detroit Lions as the second back to receive touches behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. Although Croskey-Merritt finished the game with 11 carries and played 44 percent of the snaps, prior to Rodriguez leaving the game early due to a shoulder injury, Rodriguez had played 72% of the snaps in the first half, compared to Croskey-Merritt's 16%. As a result of the injury to Rodriguez and the game being out of hand, Croskey-Merritt ended up playing 65.4% of snaps in the second half. This is perhaps why some fantasy managers may believe Croskey-Merritt is still the lead-back. It may continue to be a backfield split moving forward; however, at this time, Rodriguez practiced all week and is expected to play Sunday, and is in line to have lead-back duties. As a result, this makes Croskey-Merritt someone who can't be trusted heading into Week 11. The Commanders play the Miami Dolphins in Spain on Sunday, which should set up to be a strong matchup on paper for him, Rodriguez, making him an RB3/flex option in Week 11.
Nov 14, 2025 9:29 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had started every game since Week 5, but his recent struggles led to the team starting third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. Rodriguez ended up leaving the game early due to a shoulder injury, but he played 72% of the snaps in the first half compared to Croskey-Merritt at 16%. As a result of the injury and the game being out of hand, the rookie seventh-rounder played 65.4% of snaps in the second half. It was still another inefficient outing on the ground for the 24-year-old with just 30 yards on 11 carries. Croskey-Merritt hasn't surpassed four yards per carry in a game since his 150-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 5 against the Chargers. Rodriguez's status will be updated throughout the week as the Commanders travel to Madrid to take on the Dolphins in Week 11, but it looks like Croskey-Merritt has lost grip on the starting running back duties in Washington.
Nov 11, 2025 10:43 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled over the past four games, totaling just 157 yards on 51 carries and no touchdowns. Croskey-Merritt's 3.1 yards per carry ranks sixth lowest among running backs with at least 25 carries in that span. That comes after a five-game stretch to begin the season where the rookie seventh-rounder was one of the best stories in the league, averaging a league-best 6.6 yards per carry and a ridiculous 72.1% success rate. Croskey-Merritt also owned the second-highest explosive run rate (15+ yards) at 11.6% in that time, but has not generated a single explosive run over the past four weeks. With third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. coming off his best game of the season against Seattle and being named a team captain for Sunday's matchup against the Lions, Croskey-Merritt may cede more work to Rodriguez. With a lack of involvement in the pass game, Croskey-Merritt finds himself in low-end RB3 territory for Week 10, ranking as RotoBaller's RB33 in PPR leagues.
Nov 8, 2025 11:11 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (mouth) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Croskey-Merritt was limited to begin the week due to a tooth issue. However, the rookie back was able to finish out the week with back-to-back full practice sessions. He'll be ready to go for this tough matchup against the Lions defense. Croskey-Merritt hasn't found much success on the ground lately. He has been held to 38 rushing yards or fewer in each of his last three games. However, Croskey-Merritt figures to continue having a fairly significant role in the backfield.
Nov 7, 2025 6:15 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (tooth) was able to practice in full on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday due to a tooth issue. Croskey-Merritt's status for Washington's Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions does not appear to be in jeopardy. The 24-year-old has recorded 440 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 94 carries across nine games so far this season. However, Croskey-Merritt has failed to crack 38 rushing yards or score a touchdown since Week 6. In Washington's Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Croskey-Merritt earned the same number of carries (12) as fellow Commanders back Chris Rodriguez Jr. Washington's unsettled backfield picture makes it difficult for fantasy managers to trust Croskey-Merritt as a starter. He profiles as a low-end RB3/flex option against Detroit in Week 10.
Nov 6, 2025 4:48 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (mouth) was wearing a non-contact jersey on Wednesday and was listed as a limited practice participant after having dental work done, according to John Keim of ESPN. Croskey-Merritt should be available to play on Sunday against the visiting Detroit Lions, but the better question is whether he'll lose any playing time to Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. after stumbling the last few weeks. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder has been the team's lead back since Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 2, but Bill hasn't scored since Oct. 5 and is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry for 157 yards on 51 rushing attempts in the last four games. Expect defenses to load the box more to stop the run against Washington now, with quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) out for the foreseeable future. JCM is trending down as an RB3/flex play heading into this weekend.
Nov 5, 2025 6:39 PM EST
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