Commanders running back Bill Croskey-Merritt wasn’t involved much in the pass game last season. He had just nine catches for 68 yards on 13 targets, stats that show a lack of production, opportunity and (let’s just say it) trust from the coaching staff to use the rookie in those situations.
That wasn’t a massive shock, considering Croskey-Merritt didn’t do much receiving in college, either. He had just seven receptions for New Mexico in 2023, his last full collegiate season after odd eligibility issues
essentially nullified his 2024 campaign at Arizona.
The Commanders pushed him to improve as a receiver and a pass protector in 2026, and are testing him in those areas during training camp.
“They want me to be able to do more,” Croskey-Merritt said in a press conference after Tuesday’s camp practice. “The more you can do, the better. They know I can do it. I just have to put more of it on film. There’s always something you can get better at. I just want to go out show I can do whatever is needed.”
Croskey-Merritt had a productive rookie year despite a clear focus on rushing, with 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries. He had some blowup games and some subdued efforts in 2025. He showed real promise as a runner, with a style that should fit well with the zone rushing concepts expected of new coordinator David Blough’s scheme.
Well-rounded play is essential to staying on the field in the NFL, so there was an obvious desire to get better as a receiver. Croskey-Merritt believed it was a matter of opportunity over skill, but has set out to prove he can do it all while holding onto the ball.
He worked hard during the offseason to get bigger and stronger – that’ll certainly help in pass protection – and be a trusted target in the passing game.
“I always felt like it was slept on,” Croskey-Merritt said. “I feel like it comes natural for me, and it’s something I definitely want to show. I can do more than just run the ball. I want to be able to catch out of the backfield, block and run. I just want to be a jack of all trades.”
That means being right on technique and the details of his assignment. His talent is unquestioned. It’s about building trust in areas where he didn’t have as much in 2025.
Does that mean Croskey-Merritt’s competing to be Washington’s featured, every-down back? Probably not. The Commanders have a well-balanced running back room with juice coming from several different players.
Veteran free-agenct acquisition Rachaad White has long been a quality receiver out of the backfield who can be an efficient runner. Sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen enters the chat following an A-plus career at Penn State, bringing a physical rushing style to the unit and could be valuable in short-yardage situations. Jeremy McNichols and Jerome Ford are also battling for a roster spot as depth components.
Croskey-Merritt enters his second season with confidence stemming from a productive offseason
They had a plan for me and I went at it 100%. I trusted the process and it’s paying off. I don’t feel like I slowed down any. I feel stronger. I feel like I’m ready to go and in the best shape of my life right now.
“…When the ball’s coming my way, just make the most of it. I feel like I have been doing that well so far. I want to get better every day.”
