What do the Commanders really think of Bill Croskey-Merritt?

Would the Washington Commanders actually go into 2026 starting Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt at running back? Prior to free agency beginning this 2026 offseason, numerous reports indicated that the Commanders were looking for a dependable running back who could carry the load. One report even said the Commanders wanted to sign a thumper.

That did not come to fruition. The Commanders apparently did not push that often, attempting to sign running backs. But we do know they have gone out and signed two running backs who can both make this team next season, each in a decidedly different role.

Running back Austin Ekeler is recovering from a torn Achilles, and the Commanders are moving forward without him, no doubt wishing Ekeler the best, but at his age, they needed to go younger. So they signed Rachaad White, formerly of the Tampa Bay Bucs. No doubt, they are planning on White succeeding Ekeler in the role of a receiver out of the backfield and a third down type of back.

Jerome Ford (from the Browns) is the other new running back in the Commanders' fold. Ford, who turns 27 in September, has 340 rushing attempts thus far in his NFL career. So he is nowhere close to worn down from overuse.