Brian Robinson Jr.’s future as the Washington Commanders’ lead running back appears uncertain after he agreed to sit out the team’s second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In his absence, Chris Rodriguez Jr. started the game, but the spotlight quickly turned to seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who made a noticeable impact on his second drive.
Rookie Croskey-Merritt Gains Attention with Quick Plays
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s agility and quickness have been turning heads, especially following a notable run that highlighted his skill set despite his limited experience. This run, described as one many <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL running backs could make, nevertheless led to him being drafted earlier than expected. His later performance in the game was less impressive, but his presence has undoubtedly made him a popular name among Fantasy Football enthusiasts.
“This single run by Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt that 80% of NFL RBs can make. has resulted in Bill getting drafted several of rounda earlier. What people missed is he played late into last night’s game, and didn’t play all that well.” — Eric Polzin, NinetoFiveSports
With this sudden attention, Croskey-Merritt is emerging as one of the buzziest rookie running backs entering the season. Despite being a non-factor in early August during joint practice with the New England Patriots, his accelerating quickness during pre-practice drills and preseason film suggests he may have a future role in the offense.
Veteran Presence Remains Strong with Austin Ekeler
While Croskey-Merritt’s future looks bright, the Commanders also have Austin Ekeler, a seasoned veteran with a proven track record. Ekeler’s versatility and workload as the lead back for the Los Angeles Chargers in previous seasons made him a Fantasy Football favorite. His 2024 performance, both with and without Robinson on the field, demonstrated his ability to produce solid points per reception (PPR) numbers, even with a reduced number of touches.
Ekeler averaged 15.4 PPR points in three games without Robinson and maintained a respectable 9.6 PPR points across nine games alongside him, despite a lighter workload. Given the inexperience of Croskey-Merritt and a few other running backs on the roster, it is plausible Ekeler will see an increase in touches this season.
Other Running Backs Compete for Playing Time
The Commanders‘ backfield also includes Jeremy McNichols, a bruising sixth-year player who scored four touchdowns last season, and Chris Rodriguez Jr., entering his third year with limited touches in his career. While Croskey-Merritt stands out for his quickness, he lacks the size and goal-line experience of McNichols and Ekeler.
Croskey-Merritt’s nimbleness makes him arguably the most agile running back on the team, challenging Ekeler and receiver Deebo Samuel in that regard. This could secure him meaningful playing time, possibly as soon as Week 1 against the New York Giants; however, he is unlikely to handle critical third-down situations that Ekeler managed well last season.
Evaluating Croskey-Merritt’s Strengths and Limitations
Croskey-Merritt exhibits toughness and excellent balance in his running style, but his smaller frame might limit his effectiveness near the goal line where carrying power is crucial. His college history shows multiple fumbles, including one within the 10-yard line area, raising concerns about his reliability in short-yardage situations. Meanwhile, veteran quarterback Jayden Daniels has shown he can convert short-yardage touchdowns himself, potentially reducing the opportunities for Croskey-Merritt to be the go-to back close to the end zone.
Fantasy Football Outlook: Risk and Reward for Croskey-Merritt and Ekeler
For Fantasy Football players, Croskey-Merritt’s rising profile as a rookie offers an exciting but risky option. Nicknamed “Bill” after the character on the TV show Little Bill, he represents a potential sleeper pick, especially for those willing to take a chance. Yet, without a high volume of receptions or touchdowns, his value drops, making him a less attractive target for early rounds.
Veteran Austin Ekeler, on the other hand, presents a safer choice. Both players are generally considered late-round picks—around Round 10 in non-PPR formats. In PPR leagues, Ekeler holds more appeal because of his pass-catching ability and consistent production, often going late in Round 9. This value makes him a strong sleeper candidate for bench depth or occasional starter roles.
Uncertain Future for Brian Robinson Jr. in Washington
Brian Robinson Jr.’s situation remains in flux, with potential trade destinations including Houston, Miami, Dallas, and Chicago—teams that could use running back depth. However, his fit varies; Dallas is a divisional opponent, while Chicago reportedly faced past tensions involving its running backs coach and Robinson. A featured role seems unlikely; instead, Robinson may find a reduced workload if acquired by another team.
Fantasy players have been hesitant to draft Robinson early, and this uncertainty is reflected in his falling stock. That said, if his situation shifts suddenly, he could still offer value as a late-round pick, capable of surprising as a low-cost option.