Can Jacory Croskey-Merritt be the odd man out at running back on game day?

The Washington Commanders released their latest depth chart ahead of the first week of the season. In it, the Commanders list rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt as their fourth running back on the depth chart, behind Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.. It is an interesting position for “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, knowing that fans and beat reporters, who covered the rookie running back daily during training camp, were very optimistic over his potential impact this year. Being fourth on the depth chart doesn’t negate their opinion, though, but it begs the question of whether Bill would be active on game day, at least for the season opener against the New York Giants.

Four running backs are rarely active on game day, and in Washington’s case, Washington had four running backs active and taking offensive snaps just once last season. McNichols was the primary special teams contributor from the running back group, while Rodriguez Jr. just played 11 percent of special teams snaps. Furthermore, with Deebo Samuel listed as a starting kick returner and Brian Robinson not in the running back room, Ekeler will likely be reserved for offensive production only. If Washington does not view Croskey-Merritt as a primary special teams contributor, where else would the team make an exception that would allow him to be active on game day?

It may come down to the third running back spot, whether they prefer Rodriguez Jr. or Croskey-Merritt for a particular opponent. Either way, the rookie has time on his side, and whether he is active or inactive on a given week, he will be allowed to focus on his continued development as an NFL running back. On the latest Trap or Dive Podcast episode, we dissected what the offense would look like with and without Croskey-Merritt on the field for Washington, and if fans have too high expectations for the rookie running back.

You can listen to the full Trap or Dive episode below. We discussed:

• Depth chart observations
• Josh Conerly Jr. earns the starting RT role; creates depth at other OL roles
• Which running back will be the odd man out on game day?
• QB, RB, and WR over/under season predictions

Podcast:

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