The Washington Commanders’ running back depth will be tested moving forward.
Austin Ekeler was carted into the locker room late in Washington’s 27-18 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night with an apparent lower leg injury.
If Ekeler misses an extended period of time, seventh-round rookie Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt will handle the bulk of the available carries.
Croskey-Merritt wrapped up an impressive NFL debut in Washington’s Week 1 win over the New York Giants, picking up 82 rush yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries.
While he was limited to a mere 17 yards on four attempts against Green Bay, the Commanders’ entire rushing attack struggled. They only recorded 51 yards on the ground and averaged 2.7 yards per carry as a team.
Croskey-Merritt should immediately become a starter for fantasy managers moving forward if he isn’t already.
For the rest of Washington’s running back room, Jeremy McNichols could see action in a reserve role. McNichols is familiar with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system, as he’s in the midst of his second year with the team after rushing for 261 yards and four touchdowns in 2024.
He’s an intriguing option on waivers for fantasy managers, as he recorded at least six touches in five games last season.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been inactive to open Washington’s 2025 season, but could carve out a role in the Commanders’ rushing attack if given more opportunities with Ekeler potentially sidelined.
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