JacoryCroskey-Merritt

News: 4 days agoCroskey-Merrit gained 20 yards on four carries in the Commanders' 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos on Sunday night.

Spin: The rookie running back has fallen behind Chris Rodriguez as the Commanders' preferred early-down running back, as Croskey-Merrit was out-snapped 37 to 13 by Rodriguez, who carried the ball 11 times for 41 yards and one touchdown. Both backs played fewer snaps than Jeremy McNichols, who produced six carries for 30 yards and two catches for zero yards on 44 offensive snaps. Stuck in a three-man committee, Croskey-Merrit can't be trusted in fantasy lineups.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Croskey-Merritt was selected by Washington in the seventh round after spending six seasons at the collegiate level. After four seasons at Alabama State, he had his breakout season at New Mexico in 2023 prior to appearing in only one game in 2024. Croskey-Merritt is an older back with limited recent playing time, but he posted elite efficiency in 2023 and showed so well during the offseason that Washington shipped lead rusher Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers in August. Despite being a late-round pick and the presence of passing-down specialist Austin Ekeler, "Bill" has a legitimate shot to lead Washington's backfield as a rookie, which presents plenty of fantasy appeal. He should be on your radar in the middle rounds.