The Washington Commanders' running back dynamic is something to watch throughout the summer. Players have staked an early claim over the team's offseason program. Clues are starting to emerge, but everything should become clearer when training camp rolls around.
One NFL analyst believes the initial impact made by an unheralded rookie places a veteran firmly on the hot seat.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt might be a seventh-round selection, but he's not acting like it. He's got big ambitions to impact the rotation immediately. The decisive cuts, overall speed, and strong mentality have come with rave reviews. There's a long way to go, but the signs are extremely promising nonetheless.
That's good news for the Commanders. However, there will be some collateral damage along the way.
Jeremy McNichols faces a fight to retain Commanders' roster spot in 2025
This was a subject discussed by Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points. He named Jeremy McNichols as a player who could be on the chopping block this offseason. This becomes more glaring if Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. demonstrate the improvements needed to take his place.
"[Jeremy] McNichols’ age is an issue. He’s a seven-year veteran who has played for five teams. His 55 carries in 2024 set a career high, as did his 261 yards and four touchdowns. With Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler locking down nearly all of the touches, McNichols finds himself in a battle not only with [Jacory] Croskey-Merritt, but also Chris Rodriguez Jr. It’s going to be a tough push for McNichols to earn an eighth NFL season, unless his hooks on with another team if the Commanders decide to go another direction."Douglas Fritz
McNichols was solid if not spectacular when called upon last season. Most thought he wouldn't get extended, but the Commanders rewarded him with another one-year deal instead to prevent him from leaving in free agency.
That was a vote of confidence, albeit with no guarantees attached. McNichols must prove himself all over again with two ambitious youngsters breathing down his neck. If the Commanders only take three running backs onto the 53-man roster, that makes it even more difficult.
The Commanders aren't going to give up on Croskey-Merritt before he's played a competitive snap, especially if he keeps stacking good days at training camp and whatever involvement comes his way in the preseason. If Washington opts for four running backs, which seems unlikely given the presence of versatile weapon Deebo Samuel Sr., it will be a straight fight between McNichols and Rodriguez for the job.
McNichols isn't going to give up his spot without a fight. But to say his situation is precarious would be an understatement.