Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
This is almost a given at this point, and the Washington Commanders have recognized it.
It's been a disastrous start to the campaign for cornerback Mike Sainristil. A lackluster Week 1 performance versus the Philadelphia Eagles led head coach Dan Quinn to make the unusual decision to call him out publicly, but it didn't bring the desired response. The same complications emerged, and Washington had no choice but to reduce his workload.
Sainristil played the fewest snaps of his professional career during Washington's upset win over the Seattle Seahawks. His frailties were evident on the field, and he is clearly going through some confidence issues right now. Unfortunately, the Commanders don't have time to wait around, and the Michigan product played just five snaps in London.
This shows how far Sainristil has fallen out of favor. The 2024 second-round pick looked like a potential long-term piece as a rookie, but it's been a steady decline ever since. And one has to wonder just how much longer he'll be with the franchise if he cannot turn things around.
Trey Amos is now eligible to return from injured reserve. Nothing has been confirmed about a timeline, but when he does return, Sainristil could be the one to make way.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
Hopes were high that running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt would build on his outstanding rookie campaign, as the seventh-round selection came out of nowhere to become an important part of the team's plans. The Commanders made him their lead-back option this season, albeit in a committee, but it hasn't been the start anyone envisioned.
Croskey-Merritt has struggled to get anything going on the ground. Aside from his catch-and-run against the Indianapolis Colts, he's had few highlights. The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry through four games, which is nowhere near the required standard.
One can blame this, to a certain extent, on the offensive line's run blocking, but Croskey-Merritt must start running with more conviction again. He's making mistakes, and the Commanders are starting to reduce his workload as a result.
Recent arrival Austin Ekeler looked much more purposeful in his first game back with the squad. He's only been practicing for a few days before the Commanders got him involved, and if he builds on this positive momentum, he could eat even more into Croskey-Merritt's carries when push comes to shove.
Croskey-Merritt became a pleasant surprise as a rookie, but he's not a surprise anymore. Teams see him coming, and he needs to raise his performance to avoid further complications down the line.
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