It's that time of the NFL offseason again. Overreaction time.
With organized team activities underway, every player on every team will be micro-analyzed like no tomorrow, and we'll all come away thinking they're either going to have a career year or they'll be cut in August. There's nothing in between.
For that reason, always be mindful to take any performance-related narrative — whether good or bad — with a grain of salt when it comes to OTAs. But the one thing you always want to avoid is injuries. The Washington Commanders know this all too well, coming off a 5-12 season in which nobody could stay on the field.
The Commanders haven't suffered any back-breaking season-enders thus far, and one can only hope it stays that way. But they did have a brief scare involving a player expected to be a key part of their offense.
Commanders are being cautious with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and rightfully so
Reports surfaced a few days ago that Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt may be dealing with an injury, after he didn't participate in team drills during the first week of OTAs. That appears to have continued into Week 2, as he was taken to the side just as he was about to go through drills.
Bill Croskey-Merritt was getting ready to do some team drills, but was pulled away to go to the side field with strength and conditioning coaches pic.twitter.com/3tTyYyjuJc
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 2, 2026
Croskey-Merritt was Washington's leading rusher a season ago as a seventh-round rookie, totaling 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. This year, he should be expected to take on the lead back role in a committee that consists of Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Jeremy McNichols, and sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen.
The man known as "Bill" became a quick fan favorite last summer, as it immediately became apparent he was no ordinary seventh-round selection. The fact that he put up the production he did despite inconsistent usage in Kliff Kingsbury's offense only speaks to how talented he is, even if he might not ever be a true three-down back.
Croskey-Merritt also appears to have considerably bulked up ahead of Year 2. His thin frame has been a concern for his durability. Based on footage from OTAs, he's been spending serious time in the weight room.
There's no need to rush Croskey-Merritt onto the field if he's not 100 percent right now. He will be by the time August arrives, as long as there are no setbacks. In the meantime, the best course of action is to let him take as long as he needs.
The Commanders will need him when it counts.
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