Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Monday, August 18, 7:36 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (undisclosed) returned to practice Monday after missing time with a minor injury. The veteran is battling rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the starting role, though Henderson's presence has dented Stevenson's fantasy outlook. Stevenson is expected to handle change-of-pace and possible goal-line duties behind the rookie, limiting his weekly ceiling. Last season, Stevenson logged 240 touches for 969 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. For 2025 drafts, he's best viewed as a later-round stash with flex potential if Henderson struggles or misses time.

Wednesday, September 3, 2:02 PM

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.