Preseason Week 2 brought plenty of attention to the Washington Commanders, but for once, it wasn’t about Terry McLaurin’s contract situation. Instead, the spotlight shifted to the running back room and the surprising twist that came with it.
Brian Robinson Jr. Trade Rumors, Rookie Steps Up to the Field
After a good 2024 campaign in which he amassed 799 running yards and eight touchdowns, Brian Robinson Jr. found himself at the center of trade rumors. According to sources, Washington is looking into possible deals for the third-year back because of the jammed backfield and impending roster cuts. During those talks, Robinson decided not to play against the Bengals, which was reportedly agreed upon by both the team and Robinson.
That left the door open for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and he took full advantage.
The seventh-round pick entered camp as more of an under-the-radar prospect, but he’s quickly becoming one of the Commanders’ more intriguing storylines. Croskey-Merritt has had quite the journey already, playing at Alabama State, New Mexico, and Arizona. That setback may have pushed him down draft boards, but it hasn’t slowed him since arriving in Washington.
The rookie quickly established himself against the Bengals. Croskey-Merritt finished the evening with 11 carries for 46 yards, breaking away for a 27-yard touchdown run on his second carry. People were talking about his burst, vision, and decisiveness, even though his stat line wasn’t very loud. It was a statement rather than merely a touchdown.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt stock 📈📈
This kid will be SPECIAL.pic.twitter.com/RzgNrYqCo7
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 19, 2025
What made it even more important is that his performance comes at a time when the Commanders’ backfield picture is in flux. If Robinson is indeed on the move, Washington will need someone to step up alongside Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Stepping Up, Preseason Week 3 Will Bring Answers
It’s worth noting that this wasn’t his first preseason action. In Week 1 against the Patriots, the rookie had a quiet showing, rushing seven times for only 24 yards while adding one reception for eight. But Week 2 was different. He looked confident, hungry, and ready to prove he belongs.
For a seventh-round pick fighting to earn a roster spot, these moments can turn heads inside a locker room.
Robinson Jr. may still be the bigger name in Washington’s backfield, but Croskey-Merritt showed that he can deliver when his number is called.
And if the Commanders do decide to shake things up at running back, this rookie could be more than just a camp story; he could be part of the future.
