Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will have a good indication of what they have on the roster heading into the 2025 campaign. And some decisions will be a lot tougher than others.
But there is one obvious decision staring the Commanders in the face at training camp. However, it's not one they're going to make.
For now, at least.
Commanders will stay patient with Jacory Croskey-Merritt despite training camp surge
Training camp always springs a few surprises. Veterans previously down on their luck find ways to galvanize their careers in a different environment. Unheralded draft picks or undrafted free agents surge into roster spots against all odds.
It's still early, and some bigger challenges are upcoming, but Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been nothing short of phenomenal from the moment he joined the Commanders. And the seventh-round pick looks like someone capable of making things extremely uncomfortable for others in the running back room.
.@JacoryMerritt15 coming through 💥 pic.twitter.com/tBN0QWjGT2
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 4, 2025
Croskey-Merritt had to wait a long time to hear his name called at No. 245 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. But he's landed in the best possible spot to gain immediate involvement.
The rookie isn't playing like an afterthought. Croskey-Merritt is running with purpose and aggression. The explosiveness is as advertised, and the big-play ability has been evident. He's hungry and has a big chip on his shoulder. Some fans are even hoping he can surge into the No. 1 running back role much sooner than anticipated.
Fans want that right now. But the Commanders will stay the course.
They aren't going to rush Croskey-Merritt. The Commanders have Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler as their experienced starting tandem. That gives offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury the luxury of bringing his new backfield threat along gradually, no matter how long it might take.
The signs are immensely positive. Croskey-Merrit is getting work with the first-string offense at training camp and is not looking out of place whatsoever. Washington would be wise to get him heavily involved in the preseason. If he passes those tests, the Commanders won't have a choice but to involve him in some capacity.
Robinson and Ekeler have also left a positive impression this summer. They know this could be their last year with the franchise unless performance levels warrant another deal next spring. They will also get the first shot. But if the inconsistencies that crept in over the second half of 2024 rear their head again, that's when Croskey-Merritt will step into the fold.
And don't be surprised if he makes the position his own in this scenario.