Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Running Back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt News
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt in Play for Fantasy Despite RBBC
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
Rodriguez's Return Clouds Jacory Croskey-Merritt's Week 16 Outlook
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Could Fall Back into Depth Role in Week 16
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Could See More Touches Moving Forward
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Back on the Fantasy Radar in Week 16?
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Falling Out of Favor in Rushing Attack
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Continues to Lose Work in Washington's Backfield
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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt A Risky Option in Week 13
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
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