Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Running Back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt News
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Profiles as a Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt recorded 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries across 17 games. Particularly given where he was drafted, Croskey-Merritt flashed impressive upside and averaged an efficient 4.6 yards per carry. However, Croskey-Merritt struggled in pass production and as a receiver out of the backfield, capping his workload and fantasy production. Entering 2026, Croskey-Merritt is part of a crowded Commanders backfield mix that also includes Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, Jerome Ford, and Kaytron Allen. While Croskey-Merritt appears unlikely to play a three-down role, he may emerge as an early-down workhorse in Washington. As the RB41 by current average draft position in redraft leagues, Croskey-Merritt profiles as a sleeper back for fantasy managers to target ahead of 2026.
Jul 13, 2026 11:09 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Returns to Practice This Week
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed), who missed voluntary organized team activities due to an undisclosed soft-tissue injury, returned to practice on Tuesday, according to John Keim of ESPN. While Croskey-Merritt has the clearest path to the RB1 role in Washington in 2026 in his second year in the NFL, head coach Dan Quinn has mentioned that the former seventh-rounder out of the University of Arizona needs to show what he can do in pass protection, among other areas. The 25-year-old could also stand to improve his ball security going into Year 2 as he looks to hold off Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, rookie Kaytron Allen, and Jeremy McNichols. Croskey-Merritt averaged 4.6 yards per carry for a team-high 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 2025 in his rookie campaign, but he barely contributed as a pass-catcher with only nine receptions for 68 yards in 17 games (seven starts). Bill's role as the clear lead back in D.C. isn't solidified yet, but he's the best fantasy target in the Commanders' backfield in 2026 as an RB3/flex with upside, primarily in standard-scoring formats.
Jun 17, 2026 12:47 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has Best Shot to Become Commanders Lead Back?
Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has missed some offseason work due to a soft-tissue injury, has the best chance to become the team's lead back in 2026, according to Zach Selby of Commanders.com. Croskey-Merritt, also known as Bill, has "quickness on the outside and has enough burst to run through creases at the line of scrimmage." The 25-year-old rushed for 805 yards in 2025, third in his draft class, and added eight touchdowns on 175 carries over 17 games (seven starts). JCM must still improve in pass protection, but he showed plenty of patience and decisiveness as a ball-carrier despite not being taken until the seventh round in the 2025 NFL draft. Croskey-Merritt was used sparingly as a pass-catcher as a rookie, hauling in nine passes on just 13 targets for 68 yards. Newcomer Rachaad White will most likely operate as Washington's primary pass-catching back, with Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols providing veteran depth. Ball security was another issue for JCM as a rookie, and if those issues resurface in Year 2, he could quickly lose touches to White, Ford, and McNichols. Fantasy managers should consider Croskey-Merritt as an RB3/4 with upside if he proves himself more in passing situations.
Jun 15, 2026 6:30 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Missing OTAs With Soft-Tissue Injury
According to Ben Standig of Last Man Standig, Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed) is missing valuable repetitions during organized team activities this offseason due to a soft-tissue injury. It's unclear what exactly Croskey-Merritt is dealing with or whether he'll be ready to return for the team's mandatory minicamp that runs from June 16-18. Bill has the opportunity to become Washington's clear lead back in Year 2 in 2026, but to do so, he'll need to improve his ball security and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, and Jerome Ford slot in behind Croskey-Merritt in Washington's RB room, but JCM is the only one of the group with a realistic chance for lead-back duties. The 25-year-old former seventh-rounder out of the University of Arizona worked his way into a big role in his first NFL campaign in D.C., rushing for 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries while adding nine receptions for 68 yards. Because he won't be guaranteed a three-down role, though, fantasy managers should target JCM as more of an RB3/flex in drafts this fall.
Jun 11, 2026 12:50 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Continues to Work Off to the Side During OTAs
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed) continues to work on the side field during OTAs this week, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. It has been the case during all three sessions open to the media this week. It's unclear what Croskey-Merritt is dealing with, but he'll have another chance to get back on the field with the rest of his teammates during mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. After being taken in the seventh round last year, the 25-year-old saw 175 rushing attempts for 805 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns while adding nine receptions for 68 yards as a pass-catcher in 17 games (seven starts). Ball security and improving as a pass-catcher are things that Bill needs to do in Year 2 to hold off the likes of Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Jeremy Nichols, and rookie sixth-rounder Kaytron Allen. At the very least, JCM should be Washington's early-down back in an offense that should improve if quarterback Jayden Daniels can stay healthy after an injury-plagued season. RotoBaller has Croskey-Merritt currently ranked as the No. 43 fantasy RB going into the 2026 season.
Jun 9, 2026 4:21 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed) is dressed but not participating in OTAs on Wednesday, per Commanders beat writer Ben Standig. It's not clear whether Croskey-Merritt is dealing with an injury, but fantasy managers should monitor for updates on his status in the coming weeks. The 25-year-old flashed high upside as a rookie in 2025, recording 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries across 17 games. Entering 2026, he appears to be in a job battle with Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols, and Jerome Ford for the RB1 role in Washington. While Croskey-Merritt currently profiles as the best rusher of the group, he recorded just nine receptions as a rookie and may not be trusted to work on passing downs. Still, he could be poised for a breakout season in 2026, assuming he is not dealing with anything serious from a health perspective.
May 27, 2026 12:51 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Remains the Top Option in Washington Backfield?
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt remains atop the depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft. There was plenty of chatter that Washington might spend a premium pick on a running back, but that never came to fruition. Instead, they waited until the back half of Day 3, selecting Penn State's Kaytron Allen with the 187th overall pick in the sixth round. That's not exactly a big move, and Allen is unlikely to threaten Croskey-Merritt's role within the backfield. To this point, Rachaad White remains the biggest competition for Croskey-Merritt, but even then, it doesn't seem like he's an enormous threat. In all likelihood, Croskey-Merritt will get the bulk of the early-down carries after posting 805 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns as a rookie last year. Meanwhile, White will get more involved on passing downs, plus as a change-of-pace back when Croskey-Merritt needs a breather on early downs. That sentiment is reflected in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings, which have Croskey-Merritt slotted in as the overall RB44.
Apr 25, 2026 6:11 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's Year Two Value Tied to Pick No. 7 in the NFL Draft
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was one of the most fun stories heading into the 2025 season, and through the first month of his rookie campaign, the man known simply as "Bill" looked to be making good on all the preseason hype. Playing behind an above-average offensive line, Croskey-Merritt was able to churn out chunk plays at a league-leading level, averaging 11.6 fantasy points per game through Week 5 despite minimal usage in the passing game. Unfortunately, the big plays eventually dried up, and Croskey-Merritt finished the year as RB31, working in almost a true 50/50 split with Chris Rodriguez Jr. by the end of the season. The Commanders have since replaced Rodriguez with Rachaad White, which could be viewed as a win for Croskey-Merritt managers, as White's greatest contributions have come catching the ball, a market that Croskey-Merritt was never going to own. However, Washington is one of the teams picking in the top 10 of the upcoming NFL Draft that has been tied to Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love. Should he become their pick on Day 1, Croskey-Merritt would be relegated to little more than change-of-pace duty. If the Commanders opt to go in a different direction, or if Love has already been selected by the time they're on the clock, Croskey-Merritt, who is currently RotoBaller's dynasty RB44, could still provide value as a low-end RB2 or flex play.
Apr 18, 2026 6:00 AM EST
Can Jacory Croskey-Merritt Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Washington?
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a bit of a rollercoaster campaign as a rookie in 2025, finishing the year with 873 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns on 184 touches across 17 games (seven starts). Croskey-Merritt recorded four touchdowns across his first five NFL games, but then cracked 40 rushing yards just once across eight contests between Week 6 and Week 14. Still, Croskey-Merritt closed the year on a tear, recording 255 rushing yards and four scores over the season's final four weeks. Heading into 2026, the 24-year-old should have a chance to emerge as Washington's RB1. However, the Commanders also added veteran backs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency. At the very least, White and Ford are trusted third-down backs who will prevent Croskey-Merritt from seeing much receiving work in his second NFL season. Croskey-Merritt's clear upside as a rusher provides him with long-term upside for dynasty managers, but it does not appear as though Washington is ready to fully hand him the keys to its backfield in 2026.
Mar 28, 2026 10:50 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Currently the Lead Back in Washington
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt currently sits atop the depth chart as the new league year gets underway. With Chris Rodriguez Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols all departing for free agency, Croskey-Merritt remains the lone holdover from Washington's 2025 backfield. That could change via free agency, the NFL Draft, or even a trade, but for now, it appears that Croskey-Merritt has an early leg up on the backfield competition for 2026. He's coming off a solid rookie season in which he amassed 873 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. We should also note that it's not like Washington is just waiting to bring back some of its familiar faces, either. Rodriguez has already signed with Jacksonville, and it seems unlikely that Ekeler will return to Washington following his Achilles injury. Dynasty managers should hold Croskey-Merritt for now. Although he could be a buy-low candidate, there's also the risk of his value slipping if Washington does make a running back splash in the next month or so.
Mar 11, 2026 9:04 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt in Line for Starting Role in 2026?
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a 7th-round pick in 2025 following an unorthodox finish to his college career, and he became a popular sleeper pick heading into his first season. With the Commanders' running back room lacking obvious star talent, the path was there for the explosive young back to claim the top spot. Following an early-season injury to Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt was given multiple chances to secure the role. While he was never able to take a stranglehold of the position, injuries and ineffectiveness around him never let him stray too far from relevance. With Ekeler set to hit the open market and Chris Rodriguez Jr. a restricted free agent, Washington will likely bring in another back to compete for touches. However, after putting up two of his best games against divisional foes over the final month of the season, Croskey-Merritt should have every chance to compete for a primary role again in 2026.
Feb 19, 2026 8:38 AM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 2026 Role Uncertain After Up-And-Down Rookie Season
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a fantasy darling during draft season last fall when the team's RB picture was unsettled. His fantasy stock rose even further after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder ended up leading the team in carries (175), rushing yards (805), and rushing touchdowns (eight), but he was the RB29 in half-PPR scoring, and he averaged just 8.2 half-PPR points per game in his 17 contests. It didn't help JCM's cause that starting quarterback Jayden Daniels missed most of the season with various injuries. Croskey-Merritt had two 100-yard games in his rookie season, but he also failed to eclipse 50 rushing yards in a game 12 times. The Commanders will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026, and it's hard to say how they'll attack the RB position in free agency and the draft. Croskey-Merritt will have a role next year, but there's a good chance he'll be more of a committee back than a workhorse.
Jan 27, 2026 6:49 PM EST
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Returns to Full Practice
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Breaking Out in Washington?
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt a Risky Option Against Cowboys
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
Latest Fantasy News
