Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Breaks out on Christmas Day
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt carried the ball 11 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the Commanders' 30-23 loss to the Cowboys on Christmas Day.
The rookie running back kept Washington in the game, scoring from 10 yards out in the second quarter before breaking free for a 72-yard TD in the third. It was the second time this season Croskey-Merritt topped 100 rushing yards with multiple touchdowns in a game, and over the last three contests he's churned out 226 yards and four TDs. Chris Rodriguez (illness) will likely be back in action in Week 18 against the Eagles, but Croskey-Merritt has done more than enough of late to retain a significant role in the offense for the Commanders' season finale.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Faces opportunity with Rodriguez out
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt looks set to operate as Washington's lead backfield option Week 17 with Chris Rodriguez (illness) inactive for Thursday's contest against the Cowboys.
Croskey-Merritt will have a chance to operate in an expanded role in a favorable divisional matchup on Christmas Day, as he and Rodriguez have split backfield opportunities for Washington down the stretch of the regular season. With Rodriguez inactive due to an illness after having been added to the team's injury report Thursday morning, Croskey-Merritt could now handle a workload similar to what he saw Week 15 versus the Giants. Rodriguez couldn't face New York due to a groin injury, paving the way for Croskey-Merritt to log a career-high 18 carries for 96 yards and one score. Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds are available as change-of-pace options behind Croskey-Merritt.
Croskey-Merritt rushed the ball eight times for 25 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 29-18 loss to the Eagles.
Croskey-Merritt saw all eight of his carries in the first half to lead the team, though he curiously disappeared in the final two quarters in favor of Chris Rodriguez. Croskey-Merritt wasn't particularly efficient with his opportunity overall, but he did record long gains of 13 and seven yards while also punching in a touchdown from one yard away. It's unclear why Croskey-Merritt was phased out of the offense, but he appears to still have a role, even after Rodriguez returned from a one-game absence.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Week 16 Waiver Priority List
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt stepped in for Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin) and played well in Week 15 at the Giants with 18 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown. He had no targets, but this was Croskey-Merritt's best performance since Week 5 at the Chargers when he scored 27 PPR points. We'll see if Rodriguez can play in Week 16 against Philadelphia, but if he's out, then Croskey-Merritt should be considered a low-end No. 2 running back or high-end flex in all leagues.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Gets into end zone in Week 15 win
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt carried the ball 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-21 win over the Giants.
With Chris Rodriguez (groin) ruled out, Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders backfield in touches with 18 to Jeremy McNichols' 10, and the rookie RB turned that season-high volume into his best performance -- and first trip to the end zone -- since Week 5. The strong effort may push Croskey-Merritt back into a more prominent role in the offense even after Rodriguez returns, but his fantasy appeal will hinge on the more experienced back's health in Week 16 against the Eagles.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Set for more work with Rodriguez out
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt is in line for an increased workload Sunday at the Giants with Chris Rodriguez (groin) inactive for the contest.
Rodriguez managed a pair of limited practices during Week 15 prep due to a groin injury, and after being listed as questionable ahead of the weekend, he'll get at least one week off to focus on his recovery. His 55 touches from the last five games thus are up for grabs, and Croskey-Merritt is the likeliest to benefit in the Commanders backfield due to his ability to handle early downs, while Jeremy McNichols serves as a change-of-pace option. A rookie seventh-round pick, Croskey-Merritt has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and 7.6 yards per catch among his 134 touches in 13 games to begin his career.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Limited output in Week 14
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt rushed the ball seven times for 32 yards in Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Vikings.
Croskey-Merritt was once again uninspiring in Week 14, playing 10 snaps on offense, which was 12 fewer than fellow running back Chris Rodriguez (22). Croskey-Merritt has now gone eight straight games without reaching the end zone, and he hasn't crossed 40 yards on the ground since Week 6. With Washington's season going sideways and Rodriguez getting the majority of the workload in the backfield, Croskey-Merritt is an unappealing fantasy option at the moment.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Plays just 13 snaps in SNF loss
Rotowire
Croskey-Merrit gained 20 yards on four carries in the Commanders' 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos on Sunday night.
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.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: RBs to Sit
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt is tough to trust as even a flex option in Week 10 against Detroit. He has scored 5.8 PPR points or less in four games in a row, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 5. He also has combined for just three catches for 9 yards on five targets in his past four outings. The Lions are also No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Detroit hasn't allowed a running back to score a touchdown in the past four games against Cincinnati, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Minnesota. I would avoid Croskey-Merritt in the majority of leagues.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: RBs to Sit
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt looked on the verge of having a breakout rookie season when he scored 27 PPR points against the Chargers in Week 5. In the three games since then, Croskey-Merritt has combined for just 12.5 PPR points against Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City, and he should be considered a flex option at best in Week 9 against Seattle. The Seahawks have allowed one running back to rush for more than 50 yards, which was Christian McCaffrey in Week 1, and Rachaad White in Week 5 is the lone running back to run for a touchdown against Seattle. Croskey-Merritt has a limited role in the passing game with seven catches for 60 yards on 11 targets for the season, and if he doesn't find the end zone in Week 9 then his Fantasy production should once again be minimal.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: RBs to Sit
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt had a huge game in Week 5 at the Chargers with 27 PPR points. Since then, he's combined for 10.0 PPR points in two games against the Bears and Cowboys. It's hard to trust him as anything more than a flex in Week 8 at Kansas City, and the Chiefs are No. 7 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Kansas City hasn't allowed a running back to score a touchdown in the past three games against Jacksonville, Detroit and Las Vegas, which are tough matchups against Travis Etienne, Jahmyr Gibbs and Ashton Jeanty, and that trio was held to 8.8 PPR points or less against the Chiefs. This could be a rough outing for Croskey-Merritt on Monday night.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Held in check Sunday
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt took 13 carries for 33 yards while catching one of two targets for a loss of one yard in Sunday's 44-22 loss to Dallas.
Croskey-Merritt couldn't find any running lanes against one of the worst rushing defenses in the league Sunday. The seventh-round rookie still led Washington's backfield in touches, but he ceded a short rushing touchdown to backup Chris Rodriguez (3-12-1). It is unclear whether Jayden Daniels (hamstring) or Marcus Mariota will be under center for next Monday's tilt against the Chiefs, but Croskey-Merritt figures to continue spearheading the Commanders' backfield rotation in Week 8.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Goes off for two scores Sunday
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt rushed 14 times for 111 yards, two touchdowns and a fumble lost while catching both of his targets for 39 yards in Sunday's 27-10 win over the Chargers.
Croskey-Merritt finally broke out of the backfield committee that was holding him back in fantasy with a dominating two-touchdown performance against the Chargers. The seventh-round rookie commanded 14 of Washington's 20 running-back carries Sunday, eclipsing a personal high of 10 set back in his initial breakout game in Week 1. One would assume that the 150-yard, multi-score showing should cement the starting job for the Arizona product moving forward. A preseason darling heading into drafts, Croskey-Merritt's managers can officially fire up the hype train heading into a soft matchup against the Bears next Monday.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Good to go for Week 4
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
The knee issue kept Croskey-Merritt from practicing Wednesday and Thursday, but he took a questionable tag into the weekend after logging a full session Friday. With Croskey-Merritt apparently bouncing back well following Friday's practice, he'll be available Sunday as part of a backfield committee with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez, though quarterback Marcus Mariota and wide receiver Deebo Samuel could also factor into Washington's game plan on the ground. After Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury in the Week 2 loss to the Packers, Croskey-Merritt played a season-high 40 percent of snaps in the Week 3 win over the Raiders, finishing with 26 yards and a touchdown on eight carries to go with a five-yard reception.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: At practice Friday
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt (knee) was present for Friday's practice, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.
Croskey-Merritt was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday and Thursday's practices, so his presence at Friday's session is a step in the right direction. Either way, the Commanders' upcoming injury report will reveal both the running back's participation level, as well as his game status for Sunday's road matchup against the Falcons.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Knee issue not considered serious
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt's knee injury that kept him from practicing Wednesday is not considered serious, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Jhabvala notes that it wouldn't be a surprise if Croskey-Merritt practices Thursday after logging a DNP on Wednesday. The rookie running back had a strong Week 1 performance, rushing 10 times for 82 yards and one touchdown, but he's turned 12 carries into just 43 rushing yards (3.6 yards per carry) in the two games since, though Croskey-Merritt did save his Week 3 fantasy line with a late touchdown. Despite Austin Ekeler's season-ending Achilles tear in Week 2, the Washington backfield remains a three-man conundrum that makes it difficult to trust any for fantasy lineups.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: No practice due to knee injury
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.
In the first game without Austin Ekeler (Achilles) this past Sunday against the Raiders, Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders backfield in offensive snaps (23 of 58), followed by Chris Rodriguez (22) and Jeremy McNichols (15). Croskey-Merritt wasn't all that efficient with his touches (nine for 31 yards from scrimmage), but he salvaged his day with a rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Rodriguez paced the team in carries (11) for 39 yards, and McNichols had four rushes for 78 yards and a TD. It's unclear if Croskey-Merrritt's status is in peril for Sunday's game in Atlanta, but his activity level, or lack thereof, bears watching as the week continues to get a sense of his odds to suit up Week 4.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Racks up 82 yards, TD in debut
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt rushed 10 times for 82 yards and a touchdown while failing to catch his only target in Sunday's 21-6 win over the Giants.
Croskey-Merritt got as many rushing attempts as Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols combined. The highlights of the rookie seventh-round pick's NFL debut were a six-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and a 42-yard run in the fourth. Croskey-Merritt looks like the team's go-to option on early downs heading into Thursday's Week 2 game at Green Bay, but his lack of pass-catching ability should allow Ekeler to stay involved in passing situations.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Resting for preseason finale
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Assuming a minor injury isn't at play, this is the latest hint that Croskey-Merritt is on track for not only a roster spot but also a Week 1 role on offense. The Commanders traded Brian Robinson to the 49ers on Friday, leaving Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez as the favorites to split backfield work with Austin Ekeler, although Jeremy McNichols could also factor in a bit. Ekeler is also listed among the 33 Commanders that won't play Saturday, but Rodriguez and McNichols aren't.
... See More... See Less
Commanders' Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Moving up depth chart
Rotowire
Croskey-Merritt's impressive summer contributed to Washington's decision to trade Brian Robinson to the 49ers on Friday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.
A trade was rumored all week, with Robinson even held out of Monday's preseason loss to Cincinnati. RB Chris Rodriguez started that game and had a 40-yard run on the second snap, before Croskey-Merritt stepped up on the second drive with a 27-yard TD. Those two are the favorites to replace Robinson when a power runner is needed, but Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols are also candidates to take over some of the snaps Robinson handled last year. It'll be one of the key backfields to monitor Week 1, with no guarantee that Croskey-Merritt's rising ADP leads to a fantasy-friendly role in the opener. The usage in September won't necessarily be the same as that later in the season, of course, and positive reports on Croskey-Merritt throughout the summer suggest he has a shot to emerge as the lead runner.
