Austin Ekeler entered the 2024-25 season as the Washington Commanders’ expected third-down specialist and primary pass-catching back. With Brian Robinson Jr. traded to the San Francisco 49ers, Ekeler’s role seemed destined to expand. But rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt stole headlines in Week 1 against the New York Giants, giving Washington a dynamic one-two punch.
That combination faces uncertainty as Ekeler battles a shoulder injury heading into Thursday night’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers.
What’s Austin Ekeler’s Status for Thursday Night?
Ekeler appeared on Washington’s injury report on Monday and was limited in Tuesday’s practice. His Wednesday participation remains uncertain, but he’s expected to suit up Thursday night.
INJURY REPORT: @Commanders list Austin Ekeler (shoulder) as limited on Tuesday’s estimated practice report
— The Fantasy Source (@FantasySource_) September 9, 2025
Ekeler managed six carries for 26 yards without finding the end zone against New York.
However, he showed flashes of his vintage form, particularly on this 16-yard catch and run in the third quarter that set up Deebo Samuel’s touchdown.
Austin Ekeler really looked like his 2021-22 Chargers self on this play pic.twitter.com/6LuEKDkGZt
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) September 8, 2025
Ekeler finished with three catches for 31 yards. While his stat line suggests limited involvement, he was more integral to the game plan than the box score indicates.
The Commanders generally gave Austin Ekeler and Bill their own drives. pic.twitter.com/qdigSOeth1
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) September 8, 2025
How Did Jacory Croskey-Merritt Change the Backfield Dynamic?
Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed “Bill,” is generating the buzz that followed him through preseason. Robinson’s trade to San Francisco happened largely because of Croskey-Merritt’s emergence. Despite playing in just his first NFL game, the rookie showed fans exactly what he can do when given space.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt only played 33% of the snaps, only got 50% of the RB carries, and only ran 19% of the routes in Week 1.
But Chris Rodriguez was a healthy scratch, and JCM got far more than what was blocked. Extremely positive debut. pic.twitter.com/zuYyK2fgZY
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 8, 2025
While Ekeler appears likely to play Thursday night, the distribution of snaps and touches remains unpredictable. However, the Commanders can feel confident about their backfield depth against Green Bay after their impressive performance against a stout Giants front seven.
Croskey-Merritt’s rise has been as fast as it has been surprising. The seventh-round pick was lightly regarded coming out of college due to his missing all of 2024 due to an eligibility issue at Arizona.
However, he’s quietly but quickly taken on a prominent role in Washington’s running game.
The Commanders and Packers will face off on Thursday night, September 11, at Lambeau Field. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC.
