Who Should I Start? Kyle Monangai or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Tuesday, August 12, 12:14 AM

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai is emerging as the workhorse that the Bears envisioned when they selected him in the seventh round of this year's draft. He had a strong debut in Sunday's preseason game against the Dolphins, rushing for 30 yards on six carries while working mostly in the first half. The Rutgers product showcased his tough, downhill running style, potentially mirroring the roles David Montgomery and Jamaal Williams filled as the hammer back in Ben Johnson's Lions offenses. Monangai logged 669 carries without a fumble at Rutgers, accumulating 3,221 rushing yards over four seasons, the second most in school history. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the coaching staff have consistently praised the rookie, and he is expected to be in the mix for touches alongside D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the Bears' backfield. He is a solid, cheap bet to make at the end of drafts in an ambiguous backfield.

Saturday, August 16, 12:10 PM

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.