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Hogs Haven fantasy football takes on Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Hogs Haven about Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
66
Insights
29
Positive
22
Negative
Insight ledger
All Hogs Haven insights about Jacory Croskey-Merritt
NegativeInjuryOct 30, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is currently on injured reserve because of a groin injury.NegativeRoleOct 30, 2026
Croskey-Merritt's success rate fell to 35.7% over the remainder of his rookie season after a strong start. He fumbled four times, which kept the Commanders from giving the seventh-round pick a larger role in the lineup. He hasn't made a steady impact as a receiver, which likely limits him to an early-down role if he can keep the fumbles down.PositiveBreakoutOct 30, 2026
Croskey-Merritt was the 25th and final running back selected in the 2025 draft, but he is currently fifth in rushing yards with 1,044 over his first 22 games. He got off to a great start, posting a 53.3% success rate over his first six games as a pro.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
RB sidelined on injured reserve for at least the next three games, creating backfield opportunity for Austin Ekeler. Croskey-Merritt's absence coincides with Ekeler receiving clearance for increased playing time from Coach Dan Quinn.NegativeInjuryOct 23, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was placed on injured reserve, compounding the Commanders' running back room depth issues. The backfield has lacked star power through six games even before this injury, creating a significant roster need heading into the trade deadline.NegativeInjuryOct 19, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is ruled out for Monday Night Football against the 49ers due to a groin injury; he missed practice all week. The timing is particularly disappointing as he was coming off his most productive game of the season, forcing the Commanders' rushing attack to rely more heavily on other options.NegativeInjuryOct 16, 2026
Running back has groin injury from Week 5; injury status impacts availability and playing time outlook.NegativeInjuryOct 16, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is dealing with a groin injury and didn't practice Thursday, though he played the entire game against the Giants despite the injury.PositiveProjectionOct 16, 2026
Croskey-Merritt posted his best game of the season with 11 carries for 82 yards (7.45 Y/A), 1 TD, and 4 first downs with 1 broken tackle; his 63.6% rushing success rate was the 5th highest among NFL players in Week 5 (min 10 attempts). He averaged 5.3 yards before contact per attempt, a dramatic improvement from 0.4 YBC/att against the Colts and 1.0 YBC/att against the Seahawks, reflecting improved run blocking. Most of his production came in the first half (7 att, 51 yds, 1 TD), with light duty in the second half (4 att, 31 yds) and no touches in overtime.NegativeUsageOct 13, 2026
Croskey-Merritt contributed 82 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on the ground in Week 5 tie against Giants, providing secondary rushing production behind Jayden Daniels' 103 yards and 2 TDs.PositiveProjectionOct 13, 2026
Croskey-Merritt surpassed 1,000 career rushing yards, becoming the ninth running back in Washington history to reach that milestone in 22 games or less, indicating efficient early-career production.PositiveUsageOct 13, 2026
Croskey-Merritt rushed for 82 yards and one touchdown against the Giants. He scored his second touchdown of the season and 10th of his career on Washington's opening drive, becoming the fourth running back in franchise history to record at least 10 rushing touchdowns within his first 25 career games.NegativeUsageOct 13, 2026
Croskey-Merritt led all Commanders running backs with 82 yards on 11 carries (7.5 yards per carry) through the third quarter, including a 22-yard run at 3:39 of the fourth quarter that set up a potential go-ahead score. However, despite his elite efficiency, he did not see the ball over the final 14:20 of regulation or during overtime. After his final carry at the 14:20 mark (a one-yard gain at the 14-yard line), the Commanders shifted running back usage to favor White, who received all five remaining carries for 18 yards. The source calls this shift "a highly questionable head-scratcher," suggesting coaching mismanagement of a hot back in a critical game situation.NegativeInjuryOct 11, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, one of the Commanders' top two running backs, was limited in practice heading into the Giants game. The source groups this with other key Commanders injuries and notes that assuming most of the rep management midweek is preventative, the team still has enough talent to win.PositiveUsageOct 11, 2026
The source identifies Croskey-Merritt as a key weapon for attacking the Giants' edge run defense; the Commanders' offensive coordinator David Blough can use him off the edges successfully in Week 5. The Giants are strong against inside runs due to their size at nose tackle and inside linebackers, but vulnerable on edge runs and D-gap runs. Croskey-Merritt will benefit from outside-zone runs designed to give him free lanes, with blocking support from tight ends John Bates and Ben Sinnott and wide receiver Treylon Burks on crack-back blocks to flatten Giants' defensive backs in space.NegativeRoleOct 10, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has lost momentum after his surprising rookie surge; he's been careless with the football and hasn't attacked gaps with the same conviction over four weeks. The source notes the Commanders need to get the run game going after an underwhelming start, and Croskey-Merritt must make more of an impression. Austin Ekeler looked like Washington's best running back in Week 4 despite only being back with the franchise for a few days.NegativeUsageOct 9, 2026
Croskey-Merritt had 9 carries for 15 yards (1.7 Y/A) and 1 first down (22.2% success rate). According to PFF, 7 of his 9 carries were through the A-gaps where there was little room to run, as indicated by his paltry average of 0.4 yards before contact per attempt. He caught 2/4 targets for 35 yards with a long of 35 yards, making him the team's second most productive receiver at 2.69 Y/RR.NegativeInjuryOct 8, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt suffered a groin strain versus the Colts and is limited heading into Week 5.NegativeInjuryOct 7, 2026
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt suffered a groin strain versus the Colts and is listed as DNP, removing him from availability.NegativeUsageOct 6, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is averaging less than 4 yards per carry over four games, a figure that has deteriorated to less than 2 YPC over the last two games. Despite the prevailing theory that he would fit well with offensive coordinator David Blough's outside-zone rushing scheme, he has not delivered on that expectation. His explosiveness and decisiveness into the second level, which were his best features last year, have not materialized this season outside of a penalty-negated play. In Week 4 against Seattle, Rachaad White averaged 4.4 YPC compared to Croskey-Merritt's 1.9 YPC, raising questions about whether the issue is the back, the system, the offensive line, or the operation. The source notes this is his second season and he remains in prove-it mode, but the efficiency concerns are legitimate enough to warrant discussion about whether the Commanders should pivot carry counts toward Ekeler or White.NegativeBustOct 6, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the seventh-round selection who became an important part of the team's plans as a rookie, has struggled to get anything going on the ground to start this season. Made the lead-back option in a committee, Croskey-Merritt is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry through four games, which is nowhere near the required standard. Aside from his catch-and-run against the Colts, he's had few highlights. While one can blame this to a certain extent on the offensive line's run blocking, Croskey-Merritt must start running with more conviction again; he's making mistakes, and the Commanders are starting to reduce his workload as a result. Recent arrival Austin Ekeler looked much more purposeful in his first game back with the squad, and if he builds on this positive momentum, he could eat even more into Croskey-Merritt's carries.PositiveRoleOct 3, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt might have better luck outside the tackles this week due to DeForest Buckner's interior dominance on the Colts' defensive line.NegativeRoleOct 3, 2026
Croskey-Merritt had a 48-yard touchdown wiped away by an illegal formation penalty against Seattle. The source notes that DeForest Buckner, a 6-7, 295-pound game-wrecker on the interior of the Colts' defensive line, will likely be the reason Croskey-Merritt might have better luck running outside the tackles this week against the Commanders.PositiveUsageOct 2, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is part of Washington's committed run-game strategy alongside Rachaad White. The Commanders have the fourth-most rushing attempts despite ranking only 16th in yards per carry, indicating sustained commitment to the ground game. The source projects this could be a big day for the running back room against Indianapolis' 29th-ranked run defense (141.3 yards allowed per game).PositiveRoleSep 29, 2026
Croskey-Merritt, a 2025 draft class pick, contributed to the Commanders' 33-31 upset win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks; the source notes that Peters' 2025 draft class really shined on the rainy, blustery day in Landover, with Croskey-Merritt joining Josh Conerly Jr., Jaylin Lane, and Kain Medrano in helping deliver the victory.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a long touchdown run called back due to a pre-snap penalty, exemplifying the Commanders' discipline issues that have blighted them in recent years. The source notes the offensive line had clear timing issues, and this penalty felt like a pendulum-swinging moment in the game.NegativeRoleSep 24, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's role could be reduced to backup status following Rachaad White's strong performance against Dallas, potentially diminishing his offensive touches and fantasy relevance if the Commanders shift to a feature back approach with White.PositiveProjectionSep 24, 2026
Had the same total yardage as White (43 yards) but it took him 12 carries to get there. His rushing average (3.6 Y/A) was the lowest among the RBs. Running behind the same blockers as White, he averaged just 2.0 YBC/att, a little below the 2025 NFL average. He caught his only passing target for a 5-yard reception.NegativeBustSep 23, 2026
Croskey-Merritt has squandered a golden opportunity to cement his status as the Commanders' feature back. Through two games, he has recorded a pedestrian 106 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries, with most production coming in Week 1 against Philadelphia. In Week 2 against Dallas, he was phased out in favor of backup Rachaad White. His yards-per-carry average has dipped under 4.0 yards through two games. He remains a non-factor in the passing game with just two catches for negative two yards, ensuring he won't see more than token targets per week with White in the mix.NegativeUsageSep 22, 2026
Texans RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt ranks among the worst players in rush yards over expected through two weeks at -25, per NextGenStats; significant negative efficiency metric.PositiveUsageSep 19, 2026
Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders with 63 rushing yards in Week 1 against Philadelphia. The Commanders will look to establish a stronger ground presence against the Cowboys in Week 2, particularly on outside runs to the defensive perimeter, where the Cowboys ranked 20th in run stop win rate. Croskey-Merritt's quickness to escape outside will be key, along with offensive tackles Brandon Coleman and Josh Conerly winning their matchups.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt led Washington's backfield with 16 carries in Week 1, compared with seven for Rachaad White and four for Kaytron Allen, establishing clear lead-back role. He faces a Cowboys defense that surrendered 165 rushing yards to the Giants in Week 1. Croskey-Merritt also scored 22.5 fantasy points against Dallas in Week 17 last season, providing historical precedent for strong performance against this opponent. The source projects he has a chance to deliver RB2 production this week.PositiveUsageSep 18, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt led Washington's backfield with 16 carries in Week 1, compared with seven for Rachaad White and four for Kaytron Allen. He now faces a Cowboys defense that allowed 165 yards on the ground to the Giants in Week 1.NegativeUsageSep 18, 2026
Commanders RB1 finished Week 1 with 63 yards and 1 TD on 16 carries against the Eagles' No. 24 rushing defense (which allowed 132 rushing yards); comparable production to Cam Skattebo's 81 yards and 1 TD on 18 carries against the Cowboys' defense, which is a positive sign for the Commanders' run game outlook in Week 2 against Dallas.NegativeUsageSep 17, 2026
Year 2 running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt fumbled in Week 1 against Philadelphia, though Josh Conerly Jr. recovered it and maintained possession. Despite the positive outcome, the fumble cost Croskey-Merritt snaps. This is concerning given his fumble history: no non-quarterback had more than his four fumbles last season, with two lost. The fumble-prone tag threatens his snap share and role security.PositiveUsageSep 15, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt took the majority of touches in the Commanders' backfield in Week 1, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia. He was the primary ball carrier for Washington's ground game in the season opener.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Croskey-Merritt was the Commanders' primary offensive catalyst in their season opener against Philadelphia, finishing with 63 yards on 16 attempts. Despite limited yardage, he wore down the Eagles' defense as the game progressed and represented the only consistent offensive success for Washington through three quarters, when Jayden Daniels struggled to complete passes (9/23 for 64 yards). The source notes he was essential to any offensive success the Commanders could generate.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Crosky-Merritt was the offensive catalyst in the Commanders' season opener against Philadelphia, finishing with 63 yards on 16 attempts. The source emphasizes he was the only chance for offensive success, wearing down the Eagles' defense as the game progressed and establishing the run game despite the team's overall offensive struggles in the first three quarters.PositiveDepth ChartSep 12, 2026
Cleared to play for Sunday's opener against the Eagles.PositiveInjurySep 12, 2026
Croskey-Merritt has been cleared to play for Sunday's opener against the Eagles, confirming his availability for Week 1.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Entering Year 2, Croskey-Merritt is no longer just a late Day 3 pick who turned into a sensation; he's now the Commanders' primary rusher and will be held to the standard of producing like one. Despite a limited offseason due to a groin injury that kept him out of preseason, he's on track for Week 1 against Philadelphia. On a positive note, he has put on considerable muscle this offseason, addressing concerns about his thin frame that contributed to his draft fall and limited usage last season.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is now the Commanders' primary rusher entering Year 2, no longer just a late Day 3 pick who turned into a sensation. He's being held to the standard of producing like a lead back. He put on considerable muscle this offseason to address draft concerns about his thin frame. He's on track to play in Week 1 against Philadelphia despite a limited preseason due to a groin injury and other summer setbacks.NegativeRoleSep 6, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is not a pass-catcher and will share backfield duties with Rachaad White in a rotation scheme. The Commanders will rotate Croskey-Merritt and White, with occasional interludes from sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen depending on the situation, with White handling the bulk of third-down snaps.NegativeInjurySep 1, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, dealing with a lower body injury, was dressed and present at practice, indicating recovery progress.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Croskey-Merritt arrived at camp with improved muscle and has notably strengthened his pass-blocking technique, which was a weakness limiting his carries mid-season last year. The source states his pass-blocking improvement has stood out most about his camp performance and will earn him more third-down snaps, despite managing a lower-body issue that Dan Quinn is monitoring.NegativeInjuryAug 26, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was held out of practice for cautionary reasons, not due to a severe injury. The source indicates most Commanders starters being held out are expected to be ready for Week 1 on September 13.NegativeInjuryAug 25, 2026
Jacory Croskey-Merritt continues to work back from a lower body injury according to Commanders HC Dan Quinn, but is practicing in at least limited fashion today.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Croskey-Merritt offers more explosiveness in the run game and is projected as a 53-man roster lock in the Commanders' committee approach at running back.NegativeInjuryAug 25, 2026
Running back dealing with groin injury; 'seemed to pull up at the end of a catch-and-run in Thursday's open practice.' Groin injury 'isn't considered significant,' and Quinn indicated Croskey-Merritt is among 'a number of guys that we hope to get into practices next week' following Saturday evaluation. Injury affects depth chart with rookies Allen and Henry Jr. getting extra opportunities.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt is one of Washington's top backs in high demand; he is among the starters in David Blough's offensive system alongside Rachaad White and power back Kaytron Allen. A hip-hop artist named Cut Onkill released a song titled 'Jacory Croskey' showing love to the running back, with Croskey-Merritt's voice woven into the opening bars.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt is one of the Commanders' starting running backs in David Blough's zone-run scheme offensive system. A hip-hop artist named Cut Onkill released a song titled 'Jacory Croskey' as a tribute to him, with Croskey-Merritt's voice woven into the opening bars.PositiveValueAug 18, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is ranked No. 84 overall in Justin Boone's top 300 FPPR fantasy list as of Aug. 11, making him the fourth Commanders player in the top 100.NegativeDepth ChartAug 16, 2026
Running back resides at top of Washington's depth chart alongside Rachaad White; 2025 seventh-rounder shot up depth chart his first year, making it possible for rookies to supplant veterans on roster.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Croskey-Merritt has added significant mass this offseason and offers legitimate home-run upside in the running back rotation; he will be on display in the preseason opener against Miami.NegativeUsageAug 13, 2026
Croskey-Merritt was continuously stuffed without much space up the gut during joint practice with Miami; the source notes it's hard to know what exactly the issue was without being in the huddle, but the lack of push up front was a notable concern.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is ranked in the source's top three running backs in the room, praised for his explosiveness and versatility; the source likes the versatility of the running back room with his explosiveness.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
The source ranks Croskey-Merritt as the top running back in the Commanders room, highlighting his explosiveness as a key asset. He is competing with Rachaad White and Kaytron Allen for playing time in the backfield.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Listed as the starting running back on the Commanders' first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 season, with Rachaad White as backup.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Croskey-Merritt has burst and the ability to make explosive plays; there is a chance for him to take a leading role if he keeps showing improvement, as the Commanders have been pushing him to demonstrate his potential; he has stood out over the past week of camp, and the source sees a world where he becomes the lead back.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is competing with Rachaad White at running back. The source notes 'That's not to say Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled because he hasn't,' but White has looked more impressive early in camp.PositiveUsageAug 2, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt benefited from Jayden Daniels' ability to get through his progression quickly; Daniels dumped the ball to Croskey-Merritt as a checkdown option and the running back had room to run, demonstrating the effectiveness of the quick-hitting passing game.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick from 2025, has added about seven to eight pounds of muscle this offseason. According to John Keim, Croskey-Merritt wants to break more tackles and become the dynamic runner the Commanders need. Last year he broke a tackle every 13.5 rushing attempts as a rookie, and a struggle keeping runs going after initial contact is one reason why he struggled to earn enough carries in too many games. The more pressing adjustment involves ball security; he put the ball on the ground four times in 2025, and Keim noticed he sometimes extends the ball from his body.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Added 7-8 pounds of muscle this offseason to improve his ability to break tackles and become a more dynamic runner. As a seventh-round pick in 2025, Croskey-Merritt only broke a tackle every 13.5 rushing attempts as a rookie, so the physical improvement is aimed at getting more from each carry. However, ball security remains a pressing concern—he put the ball on the ground four times in 2025, and during Wednesday's practice, he was observed extending the ball from his body at times, indicating mechanics need refinement.NegativeDepth ChartJul 24, 2026
Croskey-Merritt is listed second on the Commanders' early running back depth chart projection for training camp, indicating a backup role.NegativeRoleJul 23, 2026
Despite being the RB1, Croskey-Merritt faces questions about his ability to carry the load as an every-down back. Danny Rouhier noted the Commanders have doubts about him, citing evidence that it took Chris Rodriguez getting food poisoning or a last-minute injury for JCM to finally get double-digit carries; in 9 of his 17 games, he averaged less than 4 yards per carry, suggesting the team lacks confidence in his consistency.PositiveUsageJul 22, 2026
Led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 2025, posting a league-leading 53.7% success rate (Pro Football Reference metric measuring ability to gain required yardage on downs). The Commanders' run game ranked fourth in yards per game, fifth in yards per attempt, and eighth in rushing first downs per game despite overall offensive regression.