The Washington Commanders' decision to trade Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round selection highlighted the confidence in their young running backs entering the 2025 campaign.
An unfortunate development means this will be put to the test much sooner than anyone expected.
Concerns were immediate around Austin Ekeler after he went down with an apparent Achilles injury against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. The veteran tore his tendon upon further examination, ruling him out for the 2025 campaign and likely bringing his time in Washington to an end.
This is bitterly disappointing. But a blow for one player means an opportunity for another in the cutthroat business of the NFL.
Commanders are throwing Jacory Croskey-Merritt into the fire after Austin Ekeler injury
And there could be no bigger beneficiary than Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The seventh-round rookie gained more momentum than any Day 3 pick around the league this offseason. Croskey-Merritt added to that with a starring effort in Week 1 against the New York Giants, but he was used sparingly at Lambeau Field to the bemusement of fans.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is still looking to protect Croskey-Merritt, bringing him along gradually after missing so much football last season through no fault of his own. Those plans have to change now.
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, the Commanders plan to deploy Croskey-Merritt as the featured back. Jeremy McNichols is the veteran presence in Ekeler's absence, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. should be more involved as the physical option. Still, the first-year player looks set to lead the charge.
It's a lot to ask. Croskey-Merritt is still learning. He's got the explosiveness, athleticism, and decisiveness to make a considerable impact, but he cannot do it alone. Moving him to the No. 1 backfield option was always the plan at some stage. But doing it soon, with just 14 professional carries to his name, is a journey into the unknown.
The Commanders could add another experienced presence to the practice squad or the active roster. That's an insurance policy if things don't quite work out with Croskey-Merritt, and he's built enough momentum to deserve a look as the ground game's focal point. At the same time, general manager Adam Peters must have contingency plans ready to go if things don't quite go according to plan.
Not many expected Croskey-Merritt to be such a prominent feature this early. But don't be surprised if he seizes the initiative and continues on his meteoric rise to cult-hero status.
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