​The Washington Commanders entered 2025 with an inconsistent yet surprisingly effective running back corps, and with Jacory Croskey-Merritt the lone returning ball carrier from the previous group, the writing seemed to indicate clear roster moves were unavoidable. Washington responded by reuniting Jayden Daniels with a college teammate after inking former Tampa Bay back Rachaad White, one of two new backs signed alongside Jerome Ford. To complete the rotation, the team re-signed Jeremy McNichols, and they added Kaytron Allen—one of their two sixth-round selections—who finished his Penn State career as the program’s all-time leading rusher. In Washington, Allen inherits a realistic path to a defined role, with a high likelihood that a spot on the 53-man roster will materialize for him. The Commanders also added an undrafted free agent in Robert Henry Jr., who totaled over 1,000 rushing yards in his final season at UTSA.
Nevertheless, the top of the depth chart is expected to be anchored by White and Croskey-Merritt. The acquisition of White not only bolsters the backfield as a receiving threat but also enhances the unit’s pass protection—a facet of the game that could help Allen’s rookie role mature as he prowls for short-yardage opportunities. Yet it is Croskey-Merritt whose development may ultimately determine the unit’s ceiling. Running backs coach Anthony Lynn has acknowledged that Croskey-Merritt’s opportunities to be deployed as a receiver simply haven’t presented themselves, even though his 2025 stat line showed nine receptions on 13 targets. That gap between perceived ability and usage isn’t due to a lack of talent; the explosive, elusive back has the speed that could reframe the room’s dynamic. The question for year two is whether Croskey-Merritt can translate that speed into expanded responsibilities, particularly in the passing game, and whether he can grow into a more versatile centerpiece for the offense.
Head coach Dan Quinn and Lynn have both emphasized that pass protection is an area Croskey-Merritt can improve to push past the label of merely an early-down back. If he can round into a more complete back who can contribute on all downs, the room’s overall effectiveness could rise significantly. McNichols and Ford are positioned to contribute in a committee framework ahead of an anticipated 2026 season, with the organization signaling a desire to assert greater consistency in the running game under a head coach who is aiming to regain control of time-of-possession in what could be described as a post-Kingsbury approach.
Will the room meet expectations? Can Washington establish a steady, balanced rushing attack in 2026? Those questions form the crux of the training camp narrative. Croskey-Merritt’s path to a year-two breakout is particularly compelling because he led the team in rushing as a rookie and now has an opportunity to demonstrate growth as a receiving threat. He possesses elite top-end speed relative to his peers, a trait that remains a valuable asset for the offense. The Commanders are counting on him evolving into an every-down back in 2026, capable of contributing in the passing game while continuing to unlock his explosive run потенциал. The big test is whether he can sustain the jump and maintain the momentum across a full season, translating his raw talent into consistent production.
In sum, the 2025 offseason reshaped Washington’s backfield, bringing in experienced contributors and fresh talent with a clear plan: build a versatile, productive, and durable committee that can shoulder a heavier workload in 2026. The path to that outcome hinges on Croskey-Merritt’s growth as a receiver and pass protector, on White’s dual threat impact, and on Allen’s ability to seize a defined role as a rookie, all within a framework that prioritizes ball security, zone-blocking harmony, and a more controlled, possession-focused offense. The fate of the room, and its impact on Washington’s fortunes, rests on whether these pieces can come together to form a cohesive, reliable rushing attack.