Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Running Back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt News
Jacory Croskey-Merritt A Solid RB2 in Week 4 with Potential for Larger Role
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled a career-high 20 touches in Week 3's win over the Seattle Seahawks. Croskey-Merritt wasn't overly efficient on his touches, rushing for just 36 yards on 19 carries and adding one catch for seven yards, but the second-year back has seen steady volume in each game so far. Croskey-Merritt also had a 48-yard touchdown wiped out by an unfortunate illegal formation penalty. Now with Rachaad White (shoulder) ruled out for Week 4, Croskey-Merritt should maintain a high-volume role and potentially see more involvement as a receiver. It's an appealing Week 4 matchup against a Colts defense that is allowing the fourth most rushing yards per game (141.3) and tied for the second most rushing touchdowns (five) in the league through three games. In a game with one of the higher projected totals of the week, Croskey-Merritt projects as a solid RB2 for Week 4, ranking as RotoBaller's RB23 in PPR formats.
Oct 3, 2026 8:09 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt A Risky Option in Week 3 Against Seattle
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was bottled up for only 48 yards on 13 touches in Week 2's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. And after leading Rachaad White in touches, 17 to 9, in Week 1, the two each saw 13 touches apiece in Week 2. White looked good and produced 83 total yards against Dallas and could see more work going forward. Among qualified rushers per NFL Pro, Croskey-Merritt's -25 rushing yards over expected ranks third worst. The second-year back will also be without the team's top QB in Jayden Daniels (elbow) as they face the vaunted Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 3, who are allowing 3,7 yards per carry so far this season, which is tied for seventh-best in the league. Croskey-Merritt projects as a low-end flex option in Week 3, coming in as RB40 in RotoBaller's Week 3 PPR rankings.
Sep 26, 2026 8:49 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's Weekly Fantasy Value Slipping Away
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is trending down in fantasy football, largely due to his declining role on offense. Croskey-Merritt went from a 49% snap share and 16 carries in Week 1 to a 37% snap share and 12 carries in Week 2. Meanwhile, versatile teammate Rachaad White has stepped into a larger role and played more than half of the snaps last Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. This could have been a result of game script, but more likely than not, it was fueled by Croskey-Merritt's inefficiency so far (3.8 YPC) and his lack of production in the receiving game. Going forward, Croskey-Merritt's fantasy value will continue to suffer from reduced volume, but he'll also take a further hit due to the state of the offense. The Commanders enter Week 3 without quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow), which means that Marcus Mariota will take over the offense. It's hard to imagine Mariota keeping the Commanders in a competitive game against the Seahawks, and the resulting negative game script will have an unfavorable impact on Croskey-Merritt's role. He's a fringe RB3/flex in deep leagues against a strong Seattle defense.
Sep 25, 2026 6:56 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Carries Flex Appeal Against Dallas
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled most of the rushing work in Week 1, carrying 16 times for 63 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia. Rachaad White had seven carries and Kaytron Allen four, although the snaps were much closer, with Croskey-Merritt playing 34 and White 29. There are still reasons to be careful. Croskey-Merritt caught one pass for minus-seven yards, while White remained involved in the passing game, and Croskey-Merritt did not return after fumbling late in the fourth quarter. Allen handled the final drive. The matchup gives him a decent chance to stay involved, though. Dallas allowed 165 rushing yards to the Giants in Week 1, including 81 yards and a touchdown to Cam Skattebo. Croskey-Merritt is not a locked-in starter with Washington still using multiple backs, but the carry share and matchup make him a reasonable flex option for Week 2.
Sep 20, 2026 9:15 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Projects Favorably Against Cowboys
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was productive as the team's lead back in the season opener against the Eagles, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The second-year back handled 16 of 27 carries by Washington running backs and notably didn't see the field again after fumbling on the team's final drive. Rookie Kaytron Allen replaced Croskey-Merritt on the final drive, and after fumbling four times as a rookie, he could start to cede work to the rookie if it continues. However, Croskey-Merritt is still the team's most dynamic and explosive rusher and could be primed for a good day on the ground in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas just allowed Cam Skattebo and the Giants to run for 165 yards on 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1, making Croskey-Merritt a solid flex option in Week 2.
Sep 19, 2026 7:34 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Takes Early Lead in Washington Backfield
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt didn't take over the backfield in Week 1, but the rushing split was hard to miss. He carried 16 times for 63 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia. Rachaad White had seven carries, while rookie Kaytron Allen had four. The snaps were much closer, with Croskey-Merritt at 49% and White at 41%, so White isn't disappearing from this offense. He also caught both of his targets, while Croskey-Merritt's only reception went for minus-seven yards. Still, Washington gave Croskey-Merritt 16 of its 27 running back carries, and he punched in a one-yard touchdown late in the first half. He did put the ball on the ground once, though the Commanders recovered it. Croskey-Merritt was already listed first on the depth chart before the opener. The game told us more than the depth chart did. For now, he looks like the back Washington wants handling most of the rushing work.
Sep 17, 2026 7:50 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Cleared to Play Sunday
After dealing with a groin injury that limited him in both Wednesday and Thursday's practices, Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) has been cleared to play in Sunday's season-opener against the Eagles, according to head coach Dan Quinn. As a seventh-round rookie in 2025, Croskey-Merritt ran for 805 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking as one of the league's most efficient backs on plays run from under center. With new offensive coordinator David Blough expected to call more such plays, and the second-year runner entering the year with a clean bill of health, Croskey-Merritt has Week 1 flex appeal despite a tough opening matchup. While free-agent acquisition Rachaad White is expected to see much of the Commanders' passing-down work, Croskey-Merritt still profiles as the team's early-down back and should stay involved as long as the game remains close, making him RotoBaller's RB35 for Week 1.
Sep 11, 2026 9:14 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Remains Limited in Practice
Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day as the team continues to prepare for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Croskey-Merritt could end up questionable for the season opener due to a groin injury he picked up in practice on Aug. 22 if he does not upgrade to a full practice on Friday. If JCM is limited or out, it would be a big upgrade for Rachaad White as the Commanders' lead back in his debut with the team this weekend. The 25-year-old Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick out of Arizona last year, but he impressed by leading Washington with 805 carries and eight rushing touchdowns on 175 rushing attempts, adding nine catches for 68 yards through the air in 17 games. The Commanders like him as their primary early-down back, but White will steal plenty of pass-game work, leaving JCM as primarily an RB3/flex option with upside for fantasy managers in Year 2. Check back for his official Week 1 status on Friday.
Sep 10, 2026 2:44 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Limited with a Groin Issue
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. For the most part, the Commanders have a healthy roster heading into Week 1, but Croskey-Merritt is one of the few exceptions. Given that he wasn't able to log a full practice to kick off the week, there's a chance that the 25-year-old could miss Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should monitor his status in practice over the next two days. If he upgrades to a full practice, he should be cleared to play in the season opener. Otherwise, he'll likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. If he can't play in this divisional battle, Rachaad White would step up as the lead back, likely ranking as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football.
Sep 9, 2026 8:26 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Should Practice Next Week
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was not participating in Monday's practice, but it sounds like he should return to the field next week, according to John Keim of ESPN. Croskey-Merritt is believed to be dealing with a minor groin injury that caused him to sit out of the team's final two preseason games. But as long as JCM is back on the practice field next week, he should be in line to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13. Heading into his second year in the NFL, Croskey-Merritt is positioned to lead Washington on early downs, but his fantasy upside will be capped by the presence of newcomer and pass-game specialist Rachaad White (hamstring), who is expected to see most of the targets out of the backfield as a receiver. Both backs are a little banged up, though, so it is possible that rookie Kaytron Allen sees a bigger role out of the gates in Week 1. In season-long redraft leagues, Croskey-Merritt should be drafted as an RB3/flex with upside in his sophomore campaign. The former seventh-rounder from Arizona impressed with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in his first NFL season, adding only nine receptions for 68 yards through the air in 17 games.
Aug 31, 2026 1:51 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Not Playing in Preseason Finale
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (lower body) is not active for Friday's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens, per the team's official website. Croskey-Merritt tweaked his lower body in training camp practice last Thursday, and although the injury is not believed to be serious, the Commanders have held the second-year back out as a precaution and will not have him suit up on Friday. In addition to JCM, Rachaad White (hamstring) and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps) are banged up and will not play against Baltimore, leaving rookie Kaytron Allen, Robert Henry, and Craig Reynolds to man the team's backfield in the preseason finale. The 25-year-old Croskey-Merritt had a successful rookie season in 2025 after being taken in the seventh round out of Arizona, running for 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries to lead the team. Washington hopes to develop him into a three-down back, but the addition of White, a pass-catching specialist, could make that difficult to achieve in 2026. RotoBaller has Croskey-Merritt ranked as the No. 37 overall RB for his second NFL season.
Aug 28, 2026 2:05 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Still Out With Lower-Body Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (lower body) remains sidelined at Wednesday's training camp practice, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Croskey-Merritt is believed to be day-to-day with a groin injury that he suffered in practice last Thursday. Rachaad White (hamstring) and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps) have also been banged up lately, so Washington's backfield is a little beat up right now. Head coach Dan Quinn said last week that Croskey-Merritt is expected to return to training camp practice at some point this week, so he should be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles in early September. The 25-year-old had a successful rookie year in 2025 after he was a seventh-round pick out of Arizona, leading the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries while also catching nine passes for 68 yards as a receiver in 17 games. The Commanders are giving Bill every opportunity to earn a bigger role in the backfield, but the offseason addition of pass-catching specialist White will likely keep his overall fantasy upside limited, especially in PPR leagues. RotoBaller currently has JCM ranked as the No. 37 fantasy RB for 2026.
Aug 26, 2026 7:34 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Dealing with a Lower-Body Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was limited in practice on Monday with an undisclosed injury, but head coach Dan Quinn clarified on Tuesday that the running back is dealing with a lower-body injury. According to Ben Standig, it is a groin injury but is not considered significant. Croskey-Merritt was spotted catching passes and jogging lightly on Tuesday, and he could be on his way to another limited practice. The second-year back led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries last year and added nine catches for 68 yards. He could return to full practice later this week and still be good for a regular workload in Week 1 against the Eagles, but his progress will definitely be important to monitor. Rachaad White (hamstring) is also working through an injury that isn't considered to be serious, leaving rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry, along with veteran Craig Reynolds, as the Commanders' healthy running backs right now. Croskey-Merritt is the RB37 in RotoBaller's rankings, with White not far behind him at RB40. Watch carefully to see who is ready for Week 1, since both have good upside but also significant risk factors with their current injuries.
Aug 25, 2026 5:52 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Limited With Undisclosed Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was limited at Monday's practice with an undisclosed injury, according to Ben Standig. Standig saw Croskey-Merritt pull up at the end of a catch-and-run during Thursday's practice, and the second-year back was held out of Saturday's preseason game against Detroit. He is at least back on the field now, though Washington is keeping his workload down. Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie, adding nine catches for 68 yards. He is also listed first at running back on Washington's current unofficial depth chart. Monday's participation is a positive after he sat out over the weekend, but his workload over the next few practices will be worth watching with Week 1 getting closer.
Aug 24, 2026 10:47 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt at the Top of Commanders Running Back Depth Chart?
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the current favorite to be his team's starter in the backfield, according to Ben Standig of the Last Man Standig Substack. A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Croskey-Merritt recorded 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries across 17 games (seven starts) as a rookie. The Commanders also roster veteran backs Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps), as well as rookie Kaytron Allen, all of whom could push Croskey-Merritt for playing time. Croskey-Merritt recorded just nine catches on 13 targets last season, so he's unlikely to play a true three-down role in Washington. Still, the 25-year-old is a high-upside rusher who should provide value for fantasy managers as long as he sees regular work in the Commanders' offense. RotoBaller currently ranks Croskey-Merritt as the RB38 for redraft leagues entering 2026.
Aug 19, 2026 12:33 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sitting Out of Preseason Opener
With the Washington Commanders sitting their key offensive players in Friday night's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be in street clothes, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps) aren't playing either, so rookie Kaytron Allen, Jerome Ford, and Robert Henry should split backfield touches against Miami. Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders' backfield in 2025 after being taken in the seventh round out of the University of Arizona, recording 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 17 games played. The Commanders will give Bill every opportunity to earn a bigger workload in Year 2, but White poses a real threat to JCM, especially in the passing game. Croskey-Merritt must also clean up his ball-security issues in order to take the next step. Going into his sophomore campaign, Croskey-Merritt is best viewed as an RB3/flex target in standard-scoring formats. His next chance to suit up in the preseason will come next Saturday on the road against the Detroit Lions.
Aug 14, 2026 2:25 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Entrenched as Commanders' RB1
Even though Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White's stock is up after an impressive joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, Bleeding Burgundy & Gold suggests that Jacory Croskey-Merritt is firmly entrenched as the RB1 right now because he is such a great fit in the team's new outside zone scheme. Croskey-Merritt has had some huge runs in the offense, and the Commanders are hoping that the second-year back takes a Year 2 leap in 2026. The 25-year-old has reportedly improved this offseason in the passing game, although White's pass-catching chops most likely will give him a leg up on third downs in his first year in D.C. The seventh-rounder last year out of the University of Arizona had 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as the team's leading rusher a year ago, adding only nine catches for 68 yards. As long as he keeps improving, JCM is in line to be the Commanders' lead back while also seeing most of the goal-line work, making him the more attractive RB3/flex target in standard-scoring leagues over White.
Aug 12, 2026 5:44 PM EST
Commanders Pushing Jacory Croskey-Merritt to Take the Lead Role
Commanders.com's Zach Selby believes that the Washington Commanders "have been pushing" second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to show that he's the team's true lead back. Croskey-Merritt definitely has the burst and ability to make explosive plays out of the backfield, and there's definitely a chance for him to seize the true RB1 job in D.C. if he continues to show improvement this summer. Early on in camp, JCM has looked the part, but Washington has a strong pass-catching back in newcomer Raschaad White and a physical battering ram in rookie Kaytron Allen. Veteran Jeremy McNichols can do a little bit of everything. At least for now, Selby doesn't think that the Commanders are ready to anoint Croskey-Merritt as any kind of bell-cow back right now, but if he "shows he can handle more in the passing game with blocking and catching, he could be the guy moving forward." The 25-year-old former seventh-rounder from Arizona had 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie, adding just nine catches for 68 yards as a receiver in 17 games. White is going before JCM in some fantasy drafts, which makes the second-year back a potential amazing value pick if he can prove himself in third-down situations over the next month or so.
Aug 6, 2026 1:05 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's Improvements as a Receiver Could Land Him the Commanders' Largest Running Back Role
As a rookie in 2025, Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the team in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns, but his limitations in pass protection prevented him from truly breaking out of a committee backfield. Now in his second training camp with the Commanders, that part of his game remains a work in progress, but the improvements he's shown as a receiver could lead to something closer to an every-down role. Commanders reporter Ben Standig notes that the second-year back has shown soft hands and an ability to work after the catch, with Croskey-Merritt telling reporters, "I feel like it comes naturally for me, and that's something I definitely want to show. I can do more than just run a ball. I want to be able to catch out of the backfield and be able to block and run. I just want to be the jack of all trades." The Commanders added Rachaad White in free agency, who has caught at least 50 passes in three of his first four seasons in the league, and Jeremy McNichols is still with the team after seeing the most receiving work out of the backfield in 2025. Still, finding ways to get Croskey-Merritt into space could help to open things up for an offense lacking depth at wide receiver, and if the former seventh-round pick can prove he's up to the task, he would easily outperform expectations as RotoBaller's RB45.
Aug 5, 2026 5:13 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Is a Redraft Sleeper With Dynasty Risk
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt made the most of 175 rookie carries, turning them into 805 yards and eight touchdowns while starting seven games. He also caught only nine passes. That gap matters more now that Washington has Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols, and Jerome Ford in the room. The Commanders believe he can handle more early-down work, and his league-best 53.7% rushing success rate gives them a reason to find out. An every-down role is another matter. Croskey-Merritt still has to improve as a receiver and pass protector, and Dan Quinn has already suggested a committee. RotoBaller ranks him RB43 in both redraft and dynasty. The redraft price leaves room for a useful season if he leads the ground game. In dynasty, the crowded depth chart, limited receiving profile, and seventh-round draft capital make him tougher to buy aggressively.
Jul 24, 2026 11:01 AM EST
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