NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is expected to step in as the Washington Commanders' starter following the devastating Achilles injury to Austin Ekeler in Thursday night's 27-18 loss to Green Bay. Croskey-Merritt has flashed efficiency early, posting 14 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown through two games despite playing fewer than 33% of the snaps. With only Jeremy McNichols currently active alongside him, the rookie should handle the bulk of early-down rushing duties, while McNichols sees work in passing situations. Chris Rodriguez Jr., a healthy scratch in the first two games, is also a candidate to be active moving forward. While Croskey-Merritt entered the season as a deep sleeper, he suddenly finds himself in line for a heavy workload. He's now an important fantasy asset with starting potential for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Sep 12, 2025 9:26 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was barely utilized in Week 2, recording four carries for 17 yards in his team's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers. However, Croskey-Merritt could be in line for significantly more touches going forward, given the unfortunate news that veteran running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) may have suffered a torn Achilles. Even in Week 2, Croskey-Merritt's struggles could be attributed mostly to game script and Washington's overall inability to run the ball (51 yards on 19 rush attempts). Without Ekeler, the Commanders' backfield consists of three largely unproven backs in Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Croskey-Merritt could reasonably lock down a true lead role at some point in the next few weeks and should be held by fantasy managers in all league formats despite the poor Week 2 performance.
Sep 12, 2025 10:17 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt could be in line for more touches in Week 2 against the Packers after an exciting debut. His 82 rushing yards were the most among the rookie running backs in Week 1, and he had the highest PFF rushing grade in the league. The seventh rounder was hyper-efficient on his touches, with a 50% success rate as a runner and ran for over 10 yards on a league high 30% of his touches. His role in the offense should expand a bit as the season goes along, but it will likely look pretty similar to Week 1. Austin Ekeler will continue to handle the majority of the pass-down reps, and a third back in either Jeremy McNichols or Chris Rodriguez Jr., will have complementary roles as well. Croskey-Merritt likely won't catch many passes and will need to find the end zone to have an impactful game for fantasy, putting him in FLEX territory for now.
Sep 10, 2025 2:49 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back out of Arizona, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, is a must-add for fantasy managers in Week 2 if he's available. Currently, he is owned in 78% of Yahoo leagues, and may find himself rostered in more leagues by the end of Week 2. JCM was electric in Week 1, handling the ball 10 times for 82 yards, good enough for an 8.2 YPC. He also scored a touchdown, rewarding fantasy managers with 14.2 points in half-PPR leagues. In addition, he achieved this while playing in only 33% of the snaps, and that number should only increase from here. Lead back, veteran Austin Ekeler played 47% of the snaps, and while JCM is unlikely to get the full workload with Ekeler involved, he is in line to see 10-15 touches weekly, making him a solid RB3 option for fantasy managers. If Ekeler goes down, JCM is suddenly approaching top-20 running back territory. In Week 2, the Commanders have a tough matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, who dominated the Detroit Lions in Week 1.
Sep 10, 2025 9:53 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt tallied 82 rushing yards and a score on 10 attempts in his NFL debut on Sunday afternoon against the New York Giants. The seventh-round rookie was unable to bring in his lone target. Despite sitting lower on the depth chart to open the game and throughout most of camp, Croskey-Merritt outpaced all Washington running backs in carries and yards. Veteran and presumed starter Austin Ekeler ran the ball just six times while journeyman Jermey McNichols totaled just four attempts. Chris Rodriguez Jr. was listed as a healthy scratch. However, Ekeler had a more important role in the passing game, seeing three targets. Even though Croskey-Merritt may see his ceiling limited due to his capped receiving upside, the team appears to already view him as their primary running back in early-down work. As a result, managers should view the Arizona product as a solid RB2 in all leagues heading into a Thursday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Sep 8, 2025 9:04 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been gaining traction throughout training camp and the preseason. The trade of Brian Robinson Jr. has given Croskey-Merritt a clear path to playing time in Washington. The Commanders have stated that Croskey-Merritt will be involved during the season opener. However, it's unclear how much he'll actually play in this game. The Commanders have four backs that they'll probably mix in at some point. Croskey-Merritt is a great stash, but his Week 1 outlook is hard to predict. He's probably best served on the fantasy benches until he has a proven role in the offense.
Sep 7, 2025 9:53 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt's role in the backfield is still unclear for Week 1 against the Giants. Croskey-Merritt, or who many now refer to as "Bill," was recently listed as RB4 on the team's unofficial depth chart. It becomes a question of whether the Washington coaching staff opts to keep four running backs active on gameday. Austin Ekeler will be in line to see most of the snaps, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols could also be in the mix for touches and play special teams. He is the most explosive and shifty runner in Washington's running back room, which should lead to some touches even if he isn't the starter right away. Croskey-Merritt has been one of the more trendy names of draft season, and he is one of the better upside picks to take. However, the usage is tough to predict for Week 1 and should likely stay on benches.
Sep 6, 2025 1:00 AM EST
Washington Commanders head coach Kliff Kingsbury acknowledged the preseason "hype train" for rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt leading into the 2025 regular season during a press conference on Thursday. Kingsbury also mentioned that he has a lot of respect for Croskey-Merritt's journey from being a practice-squad player to making it to the NFL. "He can't get enough," Kingsbury said. The 24-year-old's love for football has catapulted him to potentially having a big role in Washington's backfield in his rookie season. However, the Commanders listed him as the RB4 on their first unofficial depth chart of the year in what is shaping up to be a full-blown committee involving JCM, Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and even Jeremy McNichols. Ekeler is probably the safest flex play in PPR leagues in Week 1 against the Giants, but it's a dicey fantasy situation right now.
Sep 4, 2025 12:29 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was seen working as the No. 2 running back during team drills on Wednesday, according to JP Finaly of NBC. This is an excellent sign for the seventh-round rookie as he was listed fourth on the team's depth chart earlier in the week. During these QB/RB drills, Croskey-Merritt was deployed behind the presumed starter, Austin Ekeler, while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. were deployed as the No. 3 and No. 4 options. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on this backfield throughout the early part of the season. Earlier in August, the Commanders opted to trade their top running back from last season, Brian Robinson Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers. In the preseason, Croskey-Merritt has looked very impressive and continues to make a case to open the season in the starting role. For now, the Arizona product figures to be a risky RB3 in Week 1 as his role has yet to be defined.
Sep 3, 2025 2:02 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is listed as the team's RB4 on their official depth chart. Veteran Austin Ekeler occupies the top spot while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. slot in as the No. 2 and No. 3. The seventh-round rookie out of Arizona was very impressive during the preseason and made a strong case to open the season in a starting role. However, it appears Croskey-Merritt will have to earn a role during the regular season. Earlier in August, the Commanders opted to trade their presumed starter, Brian Robinson Jr., to the San Francisco 49ers. Robinson took the bulk of the carries last season. Fantasy managers should expect the majority of carries to go to Ekeler and most of the passing work. Rodriguez and McNichols should mix in the short-yadage situations. As a result, Croskey-Merritt will be tough to trust in Week 1 when they face their divisional rival, the New York Giants. However, the Arizona product remains a top high-upside stash as he could earn the starting job later in the campaign.
Sep 2, 2025 4:29 PM EST
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic writes that it's "still too early to know" how much playing time Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will receive early in the season. Croskey-Merritt was one of the breakout stars of training camp, and the Commanders seemingly cleared a spot for him by trading away incumbent back Brian Robinson Jr. However, Washington still has an established veteran in Austin Ekeler to play passing downs, and third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to earn touches as well. There's a pathway for Croskey-Merritt to seize the lead role in Washington at some point this season, but the Commanders may open the season with more of a committee approach. Croskey-Merritt has fantasy RB2 upside. Still, managers should draft the 24-year-old expecting RB3/flex production.
Aug 28, 2025 9:33 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was held out of their preseason finale, along with many key starters. While Croskey-Merritt was nursing a minor shoulder injury early in the week, seeing him receive rest before the regular season is a telling sign for his expected role. Instead, Chris Rodriguez Jr took five carries on the ground while Kazmeir Allen led the backfield with eight touches. Despite being drafted in the seventh round, Croskey-Merritt has emerged as a potential starter in D.C., especially following the trade that sent presumed starter Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco. Croskey-Merritt racked up 46 yards and a score in their second preseason game and 24 yards in his debut. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor Croskey-Merritt's status leading up to the regular season, as he could carry RB2 upside if he were to be named the team's starter.
Aug 24, 2025 12:48 PM EST
JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington thinks it's interesting that Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is getting carries in the team's preseason finale on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt sitting out. It "might tell the RB depth-chart story" heading into the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. The Commanders' backfield picture is still a bit blurry, but after the team traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, Croskey-Merritt has a real opportunity at a big role on early downs in D.C. in 2025. Austin Ekeler will be the team's primary pass-catching/third-down back, which leaves JCM and Rodriguez fighting for the RB1 role. Washington also likes Jeremy McNichols, though, and this backfield could be more of a timeshare. At the very least, though, Croskey-Merritt is quickly rising on draft boards as an RB3/4 target.
Aug 23, 2025 1:05 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will not play in the team's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. A seventh-round pick this past April, Croskey-Merritt has been one of the breakout stars of the summer. Washington traded running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, opening up a spot for Croskey-Merritt to be the team's early-down workhorse right away. Veteran Austin Ekeler should handle the majority of passing-down work, and Washington also has a pair of backs with NFL experience in Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols. Notably, Croskey-Merritt and Ekeler are the Washington backs who will not play on Saturday, which could be an indication of the current pecking order in the backfield. Croskey-Merritt profiles as an RB4 with upside in redraft fantasy leagues.
Aug 23, 2025 10:48 AM EST
Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt ran for 46 yards on 11 carries and added two receptions for no gain against the Bengals. Croskey-Merritt, more commonly known as "Bill", followed the hole that was beautifully created by the Washington offensive line and tight end John Bates before showing off his explosiveness in the open field to finish for a 27-yard touchdown. He was mostly stuffed on the rest of his carries as the game went on, and as Washington's reserve offensive lineman came into the game. His stock is on the rise, however, with the recent news surrounding Brian Robinson's future in Washington. The glowing reports coming out of training camp point to Croskey-Merritt having a sizable role in Washington's backfield this season. While Croskey-Merritt is the most dynamic runner on the team, veterans like Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, and possibly Jeremy McNichols are well-regarded with the coaching staff as well and will likely form a committee in the short term. Attached to Jayden Daniels and an offense that should score plenty of points, he is a great upside bet to make in your drafts.
Aug 19, 2025 12:38 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) was wearing a non-contact jersey in Saturday's training camp practice, according to Ben Standig. Croskey-Merritt only took part in individual drills at practice as he works through a minor shoulder injury. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder suffered the shoulder injury in the preseason opener last week against the New England Patriots, when he carried the ball seven times for 24 yards while catching his only target for eight yards. He has been impressive during camp as he competes for a depth role in Washington's backfield behind Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. Croskey-Merritt's primary competition for a 53-man roster spot this summer are Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. From all accounts, Croskey-Merritt has done enough so far to make the team.
Aug 16, 2025 12:10 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) is all but assured of a roster spot, and it "wouldn't be a surprise to see him play a significant role in the offense," according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The rookie seventh-rounder suffered a shoulder injury in Washington's first preseason game, but it isn't considered serious. Croskey-Merritt's training camp performance has earned a steady drumbeat of praise from both team personnel and Commanders' beat writers. He will almost certainly open the season behind both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler on the backfield depth chart, but it appears that Washington is open to him working his way into more playing time. Croskey-Merritt is a name for fantasy managers to monitor on the waiver wire or even as a late-round dart throw in deep leagues.
Aug 15, 2025 10:24 AM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) did not take part in the scrimmage on Tuesday due to a minor shoulder injury that he picked up in the preseason opener last week against the New England Patriots, according to John Keim of ESPN. Keim adds that the Commanders were just taking precaution by holding the rookie out on Tuesday at training camp. The 24-year-old had eight touches for 32 yards last week and is expected to make the final 53-man roster heading into the regular season. The seventh-rounder will now compete for the No. 3 role in D.C. with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. behind Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. Croskey-Merritt is most likely going to need an injury to one or both of Ekeler and B-Rob in order to become a popular midseason waiver-wire target.
Aug 12, 2025 3:55 PM EST
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said he's "encouraged by what I've seen so far" from rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Jhabvala writes that the organization believes Croskey-Merritt has "the potential to be a special player." A seventh-round pick out of Arizona, Croskey-Merritt played in just one game in his final college season due to an eligibility dispute with the NCAA. He's earned glowing reports for his work in training camp so far. Washington has established veterans in Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler atop their running back depth chart, so Croskey-Merritt is fighting with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. for a depth role. He would likely need at least one of his teammates to get injured to be fantasy relevant in 2025, but Croskey-Merritt is a name to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the preseason.
Aug 10, 2025 10:44 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt made his much-anticipated preseason debut on Friday against the Patriots. Croskey-Merritt totaled 24 yards on seven carries and added an eight yard reception on the night. While the numbers don't jump off the stat sheet, he showed off his burst and shiftiness on all of his touches, consistently making defenders miss and fighting for extra yards. The rookie briefly entered the medical tent with a shoulder injury, but he later returned to the game. He has been the talk of Commanders training camp so far, and has explosiveness as a runner that the team otherwise doesn't have at running back. He looked dynamic in his first taste of NFL action and has plenty of upside to dream on as a late round selection in fantasy drafts.
Aug 8, 2025 11:32 PM EST
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