Commanders backfield buzz grows as rookie Croskey-Merritt makes waves
The Washington Commanders are turning heads already in camp, with rumors swirling around key roster decisions and a standout rookie at the heart of the chatter. While Terry McLaurin has been a candidate for a potential trade if a contract extension stalls, the talk has now extended to running back Brian Robinson Jr., who is reportedly being discussed in trade conversations as well. Robinson sat out Washington’s most recent preseason appearance against the Cincinnati Bengals, fueling questions about how the team plans to shape its backfield this season.
The spotlight, however, is shining brightest on rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who goes by “Bill” in the building. In camp he’s impressed enough to be viewed as a possible Game Plan shift for the offense, with reports suggesting the organization could phase out Robinson if Croskey-Merritt continues to perform at a high level. Last season, Robinson totaled 187 carries for 799 yards and four touchdowns, but speculation remains that the new wave in Washington’s backfield could tilt toward Croskey-Merritt.
During Week 2 of the preseason, Croskey-Merritt led the backfield with 11 carries for 46 yards and a rushing touchdown. Chris Rodriguez also contributed, tallying six carries for 62 yards, including a 40-yard run that helped set up a touchdown on Washington’s opening drive. The competition among Washington’s running backs appears to be tightening, with Croskey-Merritt’s performances drawing particular interest from coaches and fans alike.
Fantasy football chatter has picked up as well. Yahoo analyst Matt Harmon and Faraz Siddiqi of Upper Hand Fantasy discussed the situation in Washington’s backfield on the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast Podcast, highlighting Croskey-Merritt’s rapid ascent. Siddiqi pointed to Croskey-Merritt’s college production metrics—ranking in the 95th percentile after contact, the 98th percentile for missed tackles, and the 97th percentile for breakaway runs among 857 FBS backs with 200 or more carries since 2014—as indicators of his potential impact at the next level. With his late-summer ADP climbing to 126.5, the rookie’s draft stock could continue to rise as the season approaches.
What this means for the Commanders going forward is still unfolding. If Croskey-Merritt maintains his strong camp and preseason momentum, Washington could lean more heavily on a young backfield capable of delivering big-play ability and durability. That potential shift would have implications for contract talks with McLaurin and for Robinson’s trade market, depending on how the team values depth and long-term upside at running back.
Outlook
– Expect continued competition at running back to be a dominant theme in camp and preseason games.
– Croskey-Merritt’s performance will be watched closely to gauge whether he can seize a larger share of carries early in the season.
– Any decision on McLaurin’s contract and possible trades could be influenced by how confident the franchise is in its backfield depth and future development.
Summary
Washington’s offseason chatter has moved from contract talks and positional depth to the potential rise of a breakout rookie in Croskey-Merritt. If he maintains the momentum from camp and preseason play, the Commanders could see a shift toward a younger, more dynamic backfield, while still weighing veteran options and star receivers in any roster moves.
Positive spin
There’s real optimism about Croskey-Merritt’s ceiling and the depth this group could offer, which could translate into a more versatile and resilient offense this season.