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It sure looks like the Washington Commanders plan to have Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill, as their starting running back in 2026.
There was talk this offseason about Washington's interest in Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love during the 2026 NFL Draft, but we'll never know, as he went No. 3 overall. The Commanders have brought in other backs, such as veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, re-signed Jeremy McNichols, and used a sixth-round pick on Kaytron Allen. Each of these players is expected to have a complementary role, depending on who makes the final 53-man roster.
Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round steal in 2025, leading Washington with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, and averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
While it appears the Commanders have more in mind for Croskey-Merritt in 2026, he still has areas to improve. Former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said Croskey-Merritt needed to be better when he didn't have the ball, citing examples such as pass protection. Another area he must improve is his receiving. It certainly looks like Bill is prepared for the extra work in 2026.
Croskey-Merritt was on the sideline during OTAs, but was back on the field this week for the mandatory minicamp. He met with the media after Wednesday's practice and looked noticeably different.
When the Commanders drafted Croskey-Merritt, he was listed at 208 pounds. It sure looks like Croskey-Merritt packed on some extra muscle this offseason, in preparation for a more significant role. The Commanders still list him at 208 pounds, but that's likely from last year.
This is a smart move for Bill. It feels like Washington could have a running back by committee, with Croskey-Merritt leading the way. White figures to be the third-down back, with Allen finding time as the short-yardage back. With Bill adding some bulk, it seems as if he's trying to show the Commanders he can handle it all.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Bill Croskey-Merritt bulked up for 2026
Continue reading...
There was talk this offseason about Washington's interest in Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love during the 2026 NFL Draft, but we'll never know, as he went No. 3 overall. The Commanders have brought in other backs, such as veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, re-signed Jeremy McNichols, and used a sixth-round pick on Kaytron Allen. Each of these players is expected to have a complementary role, depending on who makes the final 53-man roster.
Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round steal in 2025, leading Washington with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, and averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
While it appears the Commanders have more in mind for Croskey-Merritt in 2026, he still has areas to improve. Former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said Croskey-Merritt needed to be better when he didn't have the ball, citing examples such as pass protection. Another area he must improve is his receiving. It certainly looks like Bill is prepared for the extra work in 2026.
Croskey-Merritt was on the sideline during OTAs, but was back on the field this week for the mandatory minicamp. He met with the media after Wednesday's practice and looked noticeably different.
When the Commanders drafted Croskey-Merritt, he was listed at 208 pounds. It sure looks like Croskey-Merritt packed on some extra muscle this offseason, in preparation for a more significant role. The Commanders still list him at 208 pounds, but that's likely from last year.
This is a smart move for Bill. It feels like Washington could have a running back by committee, with Croskey-Merritt leading the way. White figures to be the third-down back, with Allen finding time as the short-yardage back. With Bill adding some bulk, it seems as if he's trying to show the Commanders he can handle it all.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Bill Croskey-Merritt bulked up for 2026
Continue reading...
