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

Monday, September 22, 12:17 PM

When asked about the team's ball security on Monday, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said the plan this week is to "practice the crap out of it." Running back Rhamondre Stevenson lost two crucial fumbles in the 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 on Sunday, including one on the one-yard line in the third quarter. Stevenson has a history of ball-security issues, and it could cost him a key role in New England's backfield moving forward despite his big Week 2 performance. The 27-year-old had only four carries for 18 yards and caught all three of his targets for 38 yards through the air against Pittsburgh. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson was unable to take advantage on Sunday against the Steelers, but he could be New England's lead back in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. Stevenson will be a pretty risky RB3/flex who could be punished for putting the ball on the ground.

Wednesday, September 24, 10:29 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt's knee injury is not considered serious, a source told Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Jhabvala added that she shouldn't be surprised if Croskey-Merritt practices on Thursday after he did not take the field on Wednesday. The 24-year-old had 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut in Week 1, but he's combined for only 12 carries for 33 yards and a score over the last two games, including only eight carries for 26 yards in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in the first game without Austin Ekeler (Achilles). JCM should lead Washington's backfield when all is said and done in 2025 with Ekeler done for the season, but he's going to share the load with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols. Line Croskey-Merritt up as an RB3/flex in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons.