Washington’s backfield shuffle is moving into the spotlight as preseason action heats up. Brian Robinson Jr. sat out Washington’s second exhibition against Cincinnati, opening the door for seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt to step into the game early and make an impression.
Croskey-Merritt’s quickness stood out on the drive after Chris Rodriguez Jr. started the series. The rookie’s burst and balance have drawn chatter in league circles, especially after a relatively quiet August in practice against the Patriots. While Washington still has a mix of options behind Robinson, Croskey-Merritt has quickly become the loudest name in the room.
The backfield picture in Washington isn’t solely about the rookie, though. Rodriguez, entering his third year, sits with just 89 career touches but is viewed as a solid, steady option who can handle between-the-tackles work. Veteran depth comes in the form of Jeremy McNichols, a bruiser who finally found the end zone multiple times in 2024, offering a complementary style to Rodriguez’s approach.
Croskey-Merritt brings a different skill set. Coaches have praised his toughness and balance, noting he isn’t the biggest back, but his quickness and agility give him a chance to carve out a role, possibly even sooner than expected. His college career included 202 carries with two fumbles, including one near the goal line, which is a factor evaluators will weigh as the season approaches.
As the team maps out its Week 1 plan against the Giants, the question becomes how quickly Croskey-Merritt can translate preseason reps into meaningful regular-season snaps. It’s unlikely he’ll be a every-down option or handle marquee third-down duties the way a lead back might, but early opportunities could surface if Washington wants to diversify its backfield looks and keep defenses honest.
From a fantasy football perspective, Croskey-Merritt is currently a high-risk, high-reward target. The buzz around him is real, but fantasy managers should temper expectations given his inexperience and the presence of two established veterans. The piece suggests drafting Croskey-Merritt as a late-round dart throw, with the potential payoff if he secures a clear path to playing time. In contrast, Washington’s more proven pieces—Rodriguez and McNichols—offer lower-risk depth options who could produce more consistently if given a defined role and workload.
The article also weighs the broader roster implications. If Croskey-Merritt continues to push for a larger role, Washington could lean more on a committee approach rather than force-feeding a single back. That would be a boon for a versatile offense that wants to diversify its rushing attack and keep defenses guessing.
Overall, the Commanders are testing depth behind Robinson, and Croskey-Merritt’s early impact has created a friendly buzz. Whether that translates into Week 1 carries or a longer-term shift in the pecking order remains to be seen, but the rookie’s performance has already injected a fresh storyline into Washington’s backfield.
Summary:
– Brian Robinson Jr. sat out Washington’s second preseason game, opening opportunities for Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
– Croskey-Merritt impressed early and has become a notable fantasy talking point.
– Rodriguez and McNichols provide veteran depth behind Robinson, with Rodriguez as the younger, workhorse option and McNichols adding power down the stretch.
– Croskey-Merritt’s college fumbles and size are factors as evaluators weigh his ceiling.
– In fantasy, Croskey-Merritt is a late-round dart throw; Rodriguez and McNichols are safer depth choices, depending on workload and usage.
Additional comments and value:
– Watch practice reports and injury notes closely, as any shift in the backfield could create immediate fantasy opportunities, especially if Washington uses a committee approach.
– For dynasty or keeper leagues, Croskey-Merritt’s inaugural preseason impact could be a cheap speculative add, but temper expectations until a clear, sustained role emerges.
– In standard leagues, prioritize established depth with Rodriguez or McNichols if you’re seeking reliable Week 1 floor; Croskey-Merritt should be considered only in deeper formats or as a lottery-ticket add.
Logical take:
– The Commanders appear interested in expanding the backfield’s versatility, which could yield a more multi-faceted rushing attack if Croskey-Merritt continues to show quickness and competence as a runner. However, his lack of lengthier, proven down-and-distance utility makes a Week 1 starter role unlikely unless team injury or performance forces a rapid reallocation of carries.
Overall sentiment: cautiously optimistic about Croskey-Merritt’s potential, with clear caveats about workload and goal-line opportunities.