It's all hands on deck for the Washington Commanders as they look to end their alarming slide in Week 15 against the New York Giants. And fans will be watching their running back dynamic extremely closely.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels is out after reaggravating his elbow problem. Marcus Mariota doesn't boast the same athleticism, so offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury must find a way to establish the run and take some pressure off the veteran signal-caller in the face of a formidable Giants defensive front.
There have been more injury problems in this critical area of the field. Chris Rodriguez Jr. has shown genuine signs of life in recent weeks, but it's come at a cost. The former Kentucky standout is currently dealing with a groin concern. The Commanders took every possible precaution throughout the week, but Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported it would be a game-time decision.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt could gain more carries for the Commanders in Week 15
He didn't make it, which means that Jacory Croskey-Merritt could be in line for more involvement.
The seventh-round rookie went on a meteoric rise in the summer and over the early stages of the season. This tailed off dramatically, and he's been a rotational presence in recent weeks. However, with Rodriguez missing the clash, and the need to evaluate the younger pieces on the roster, it would be a big surprise if the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP didn't get his fair share of touches.
Croskey-Merritt's had some issues with ball security. With snow, ice, and freezing temperatures in gusty conditions at MetLife Stadium, that could give Kingsbury enough reasons to go away from the first-year pro and rely more on the veteran duo of Jeremy McNichols and Chase Edmonds.
That would be a slap in the face for the Arizona product. It would also magnify the coaching staff's lack of trust in his capabilities.
It's worth remembering that Croskey-Merritt was the No. 245 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, who missed almost all of his final college campaign. Expecting miracles has always been unrealistic, so staying the course regarding his development is crucial in this instant-gratification world.
Croskey-Merritt proved how much of a difference-maker he can be if everything goes well. Rodriguez failing to prove his fitness may have opened the door again, so maximizing it is crucial to remind the world what he can do.
But if others are preferred, that will tell fans all they need to know about where things stand with Croskey-Merritt right now.