Washington Commanders Training Camp Primer: Running Backs
· Yahoo Sports
The Washington Commanders had an inconsistent yet effective running back room in 2025, but with Jacory Croskey-Merritt the only returning back in the room, there was no grey area roster moves were to be made.
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Washington went out and reunited Jayden Daniels with a college teammate after inking former Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White, one of two new backs signed alongside Jerome Ford. Washington re-signed Jeremy McNichols to round out the rotation, while one of two sixth round picks was spent on Kaytron Allen, who ended his Penn State career as the program's all-time leading rusher. In Washington, Allen has a chance to carve out a clear role with clear confidence in a spot on the 53-man roster materializing. Washington also added an undrafted free agent to the room in Robert Henry Jr., who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in his third and final season at UTSA.
Yet the top of the room will likely be led by White and Croskey-Merritt. The addition of White upgrades not only the receiving threat in the room, but also the pass blocking. The latter is also an area where Kaytron Allen can build on his role as a rookie as he looks to become the short yardage back in the offense, but Croskey-Merritt's growth could be what tells the tale for the unit.
Running backs coach Anthony Lynn noted that the reps for Croskey-Merritt to be utilized like a receiving threat just haven't presented himself, indicating the absence of the former seventh-round pick in the passing game isn't for a lack of ability after posting just nine catches on 13 targets in 2025. Whether that proves to be true for the explosive, shifty back that adds the speed back to the room will be where Croskey-Merritt can show signs of growth in year two, but it isn't the only area. Head coach Dan Quinn joined Lynn in noting through offseason workouts that pass protection is an area of growth for Croskey-Merritt where a potential improvement could elevate him beyond being an early down back.
McNichols and Ford will look to carve out roles ahead of an expected committee approach in 2026, yet with the renewed commitment to establishing a consistent rushing attack as head coach Dan Quinn looks to better control possession in the post-Kingsbury offense. Does the room live up to expectations? Can Washington create that consistency in 2026?
Biggest training camp question: Year Two Jump for Bill
The chance for Croskey-Merritt to build upon a season when he proved to be the team's leading rusher could be what elevates the unit's expectations. Croskey-Merritt arguably has the most to gain heading into training camp and preseason with a chance to showcase himself as an all-around back with an emphasis on improving in pass protection. The explosive back has unmatched top end speed compared to the rest of the room, but Washington is looking for him to become an every-down back in 2026. Whether he takes that jump and whether he can sustain it over a 17-game season is the X-factor in the room.
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