In a flash, the Washington Commanders have one of the NFL’s most interesting running back rooms. They traded presumed starter Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, leaving them with veteran Austin Ekeler and rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the two guys who could break through and seize the starting job.
The only question is, which one will be the guy?
Who Will Lead the Commanders’ Backfield After the Robinson Trade?
Besides Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt, the Commanders have Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the running back room.
While head coach Dan Quinn has hinted that Rodriguez may have an early-down role, the focus centers on who will get the most touches and that battle will seemingly come down to Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt.
Austin Ekeler Brings Veteran Experience
Ekeler is entering his ninth year in the NFL. His hallmark has been his versatility out of the backfield. During his seven years with the Los Angeles Chargers and lone season with the Commanders, he has been effective as both a runner and a pass catcher.
He boasts 4,722 career rushing yards on 1,067 carries, giving him a solid 4.4 yards per carry. He also has big-play ability, ripping off runs of 72 yards in 2022, 55 yards in 2023, and 50 yards in 2024, showcasing his speed and ability to find the open field.
However, he is no longer considered a bellcow back; in fact, Ekeler has said that he doesn’t want to be an every-down RB at this stage of his career. He’s more of a complementary piece, which is the role he’s best in. After all, he has only two seasons where he exceeded 900 rushing yards, posting 911 in 2021 and 915 in 2022.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Represents the Wild Card
Croskey-Merritt is the ultimate wild card who could ultimately win this starting job. If Croskey-Merritt hadn’t flashed in camp and the preseason, would the Commanders have traded Robinson?
As mentioned, he’s a seventh-round pick that the Commanders hope is a hidden gem other teams passed over because he was invisible in 2024.
Before his lost season, Croskey-Merritt rushed 189 times for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns for the New Mexico Lobos. After that electric performance, he transferred to Arizona, where he was expected to be a focal point of the Wildcats’ offense.
Unfortunately, eligibility issues ruined his 2024 season. CBS Sports reported discrepancies in how many games he played with Alabama State in his freshman season of 2019. In the end, he only played one game with Arizona, rushing 13 times for 106 yards and one touchdown.
While Ekeler is the safer bet and the higher floor of the two running backs, there’s no question that Croskey-Merritt is the high-upside option given his potential and explosiveness.
What Does This Competition Mean for Washington’s Offense?
Even with Croskey-Merritt’s flashy skills and apparent running ability, it seems likely that Ekeler will probably get the starts at the beginning of the year. The veteran’s experience and proven track record give him the edge heading into the season.
Still, it’s safe to say the Commanders want Croskey-Merritt involved since they traded Robinson without much concern for depth. The rookie’s explosive potential from his New Mexico days suggests he could quickly work his way into a significant role if he does well in camp.
The Commanders open their 2025-26 season at home against the New York Giants on September 7.
