Entering the 2025 season, Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was receiving no shortage of hype.
And that hype continued to rise after his impressive debut, and in the wake of the season-ending injury to Austin Ekeler, which as assumed would open the door for more work for the rookie back.
However, that has not come to fruition in the two weeks since Ekeler suffered his injury and instead Bill has been locked in a committee with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols.
But before you lose all hope for JCM, you should check out these nuggets from ESPN’s Dan Graziano, who expects Croskey-Merritt to become the clear-cut lead back at some point this season, and possibly over the second half of the season.
Graziano adds that Washington believes Croskey-Merritt is their most capable back. Here’s a look at everything he said:
One more Commanders note, for you fantasy managers wondering about the running backs: They’re very happy at the moment using a committee with Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But they do view Croskey-Merrit as the most capable one of the three to emerge as an all-around threat out of the backfield. And as he gains more experience, I would expect his role to increase. If you have him on your fantasy roster, I’d hold on, because there’s a chance he could be the lead back there over the second half of the season.
When you watch JCM as compared to McNichols and Rodriguez, it’s clear as day he is the best option the Commanders have at running back.
That’s why it’s hard to understand what the Commanders are doing. But Graziano mentioning Croskey-Merritt’s lack of experience finally sheds some light on the situation, which is appreciated.
So, hold tight, my fellow Bill owners, it’s a matter of when, not if, JCM will break free of the frustrating committee in Washington.
