This Rookie Running Back Is Making a Case for the Commanders Roster Spot

When training camp kicked off, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, fondly nicknamed “Bill,” was expected to be a long shot to make the Commanders’ crowded backfield. The seventh-round rookie out of Arizona hadn’t played in a game since the Wildcats’ season opener last year due to eligibility issues, but in early August, he emerged as a serious contender. Croskey-Merritt quickly caught attention with his sharp cuts, downhill running style, and versatility on special teams. Coaches and fans alike were impressed as he logged solid reps during padded practices and even ran down punts during drills, showing both hustle and adaptability. Fans have taken notice, with social media lighting up over his preseason runs and special-teams plays. Coming off an impressive season that reignited fan optimism, expectations for the Commanders are high heading into 2025, and that hype has only amplified interest in unexpected standouts like Croskey-Merritt.

In Washington’s preseason opener against New England on August 8th, Croskey-Merritt seized his moment despite the team’s 48-18 defeat. He totaled 32 yards on eight touches: seven rushes for 24 yards and one reception for eight yards. While the numbers aren’t flashy, his performance was. One notable run came on a third-and-one, where he powered through a linebacker for a first down. On another reception, he displayed sharp footwork, slipping past a defender into open space and accelerating upfield before a holding call erased the gain.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Croskey-Merritt. He left the game briefly due to a shoulder issue, but subsequent tests came back negative. Still, the rookie remains very much alive in the competition for the No. three running back role behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. His closest rivals? Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez, both of whom also saw action and made noise in the opener. With the running game struggling late last season and every veteran back playing on either a one-year deal or the final year of their contract, the door is open for a newcomer to make an impact. With another key preseason matchup against the Bengals looming on August 18th, Croskey-Merritt’s stock is on the rise. If he can continue turning heads, with both his playmaking and special teams impact, he may just earn a roster spot as one of the season’s feel-good stories.