Commanders fans fired up as rookie standout gets green light for Week 1

There weren't many Washington Commanders players who gained more hype than Jacory Croskey-Merritt this summer. The running back took the franchise by storm and became an instant fan favorite along the way. However, there were some lingering doubts about whether he'd be active in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Fans thought the Commanders could give Croskey-Merritt a bigger role than initially anticipated after trading Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. Expecting miracles from a seventh-round rookie is unrealistic, but his seamless transition this offseason raised confidence in not only his long-term outlook but also in the short term.

The Commanders placed Croskey-Merritt at No. 4 on their running back depth chart, which burst this bubble somewhat. It's a wait-and-see scenario, but head coach Dan Quinn didn't completely dismiss the possibility of activating four running backs for their opening day engagement at Northwest Stadium.

Commanders activated Jacory Croskey-Merritt for Week 1 against the Giants

Washington's decision to elevate center Michael Deiter and wide receiver Chris Moore increased Croskey-Merritt's uncertain status. He was given a higher over/under rushing yards prop than any other running back by sportsbooks, but that is entirely dependent on the Commanders suiting him up for the contest.

As it turned out, Croskey-Merritt was active for Washington's regular season opener, leaving fans fired up along the way. Unfortunately, this came at the expense of Chris Rodriguez Jr., who missed out.

Rodriguez's time will come. This will alter depending on the matchup, but those in power feel like Croskey-Merritt could offer more versus the Giants.

Full list of Commanders inactives in Week 1

• QB Josh Johnson (Emergency QB)
• RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
• LB Ale Kaho
• LB Kain Medrano
• OT Trent Scott
• OT George Fant
• DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste

The Commanders will play the long game with Croskey-Merritt. He's got enormous potential as a one-cut slasher, but it's also worth remembering that he lacks legitimate NFL experience and was the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 draft. Fortunately for the squad, they have Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, who are more than capable of picking up the slack.

Croskey-Merritt is coming for a lot more. And now, he'll get his shot right out of the gate.