Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Commanders rookie starts off strong with first NFL touchdown

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Caleb Skinner | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 2:32 PM ET

There was plenty of hype surrounding Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt this offseason. The last running back taken in the draft was seemingly on his way towards a big role in the offense with the trade of Brian Robinson Jr., but he ended up being listed as the fourth running back on the depth chart entering Week 1's matchup against the New York Giants.

Many questioned why this was the case, but before the team took the field on Sunday afternoon, Chris Rodriguez Jr. was listed as a healthy scratch, paving the way for Croskey-Merritt to see playing time.

It didn't take long for Bill to get going in his first meaningful NFL game, as he found the endzone in the second quarter from six yards out.

Croskey-Merritt Finds End Zone

welcome to the end zone @JacoryMerritt15

#NYGvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/Ayy9Xdv28W
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 7, 2025

Croskey-Merritt began taking carries after starter Austin Ekeler and has been able to make the most out of his touches, with the icing on the cake being his first NFL touchdown.

Croskey-Merritt was able to take the ball, bounce it outside, and walk into the endzone with relative ease for the score to put the Commanders up 14-3.

Croskey-Merritt has gotten four touches early here in the first half, taking them for a total of 24 yards and six yards per carry with the score.

Croskey-Merritt looks to have found a solidified spot in the Commanders' offense and will only allow them to continue their dominant ways on that side of the ball. He still has some work to do when it comes to pass blocking and figuring out other nuances of the game, but things seem promising for a guy who almost found himself not drafted in 2025 after an interesting journey through his collegiate career.