Editor’s note: We’ll be running down some key roster battles in the the leadup to Washington Commanders training camp later this month. John Portis has taken the lead on this series that will look at rookies, veterans, and free agents who are fighting for playing time in July.
The Commanders backfield looks set for the first three slots on the depth chart headed into camp. While the order is yet to be determined, Bill Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and rookie Kaytron Allen all appear poised to secure
spots on the roster with a good camp and preseason. Behind them, one of the better roster battles of training camp is brewing between Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols.
Ford was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. After going on injured reserve early in his rookie season, Ford would get a lot of run in 2023 after Nick Chubb tore his ACL. Ford acquitted himself well, finishing the season with 813 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 204 rushing attempts, as well as 44 catches for 319 yards and five touchdowns on 63 targets. Ford was named the starter headed into 2024 but was replaced by Chubb when healthy and relegated to third-down duties in 2025.
Washington fans can’t help but look at his 4.3 yards-per-carry average along with his highlight reels and get excited about what he may add to the backfield as a change-of-pace back for the Commanders. From a roster standpoint, Ford may not be as appealing. While his numbers in a relief role look good, his inefficiency shows up when given multiple carries. Jerome’s poor vision results in frequent tackles for a loss or minimal gains. His efficiency in 2023 ranks closely to another current Commanders running back, one poorly regarded for his rushing ability.
Ford also doesn’t offer much in the way of special teams, historically playing less than ten percent of the Browns’ special teams stats. Ford’s history indicates his role would appear to be more of a change-of-pace option instead of a reliable backup and special teamer.
Meanwhile, efficiency and special teams are a hallmark of Ford’s competition.
Also drafted in the fifth round by the Buccaneers, McNichols joined the NFL in 2017. The Boise State product was a fringe/practice squad player for years, with the notable exception on his second stint with the Titans. Upon arriving in Washington, McNichols was earmarked for the practice squad by many fans, but impressed the coaching staff. His versatility won him a roster spot. He was used effectively in a rotation in 2024, and stepped in admirably after Austin Ekeler’s departure last season, where he made the most of his limited carries and receptions.
A plus special teamer and protector, McNichols played on 53% the Commanders special teams snaps in 2024, but only 14% last season when he was more heavily involved in the running back rotation.
So far, in offseason activities, Ford has caught the eye of the staff and media, with team beat writer Zach Selby noting he “continues to run hard and look impressive as a pass-catcher.” Meanwhile, McNichols has shown up ready to go for another season and has also caught Selby’s attention.
Jeremy McNichols might be one of the older active players on the roster, but the 30-year-old running back still has some quickness to him. He’s looked impressive running team drills throughout OTAs as both a ball carrier and pass catcher. He managed to avoid getting touched by defenders during seven-on-seven drills, juking multiple defenders near the right sideline.
Both players appear ready to bring their all to the competition for the last roster spot in the running back room, but just beating out the other man might not be enough. There are several areas on the roster where an additional spot might be needed and with three versatile players projected in the running back room, Washington might opt to only carry three running backs this year. The idea would be at least one of Ford or McNichols would be available to sign to the practice squad, with the possible addition of Robert Henry Jr. there as well. Will the running backs make a case for the need to carry a fourth player at the position? If so, will Ford or McNichols be that player?
