Who Should I Start? Damien Martinez or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, August 8, 8:50 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Damien Martinez made his preseason debut on Thursday against the Raiders, but he worked well behind George Holani, who seems to have the early lead in the competition for the third running back spot in Seattle. Martinez ran for just 10 yards on his six carries and caught both his targets for 15 more yards. He added 25 yards on two kickoff returns as well. The seventh-round pick out of Miami has stepped up in pass coverage and as a receiver, which was a question mark for him coming into the draft. However, Holani seems to be firmly ahead of him on the depth chart. Martinez will look to make more of an impact and earn a roster spot in the next two weeks as the Seahawks face the Chiefs and Packers in their other two preseason contests.

Friday, August 15, 10:24 AM

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.