Who Should I Start? Ollie Gordon II or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, August 11, 7:38 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II carried the ball eight times for 33 yards and a touchdown while catching one of his three targets for 39 yards in a 24-24 preseason tie with the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Gordon took over the backfield late in the third quarter and made an excellent first impression, finding the end zone on a one-yard rush in the fourth quarter. The rookie played behind De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Alexander Mattison in the contest. Still, he emerged as the most productive player from the Miami rushing attack on Sunday as he is vying for a role in the backfield when the regular season opens. He will be back in action on Saturday as the Dolphins take on the Detroit Lions in their second preseason contest.

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.