Fierce Commanders' position battle reaches pivotal point in Week 2

The Washington Commanders opened their season by beating the New York Giants, but they face a much tougher Week 2 tilt.

Washington hits the road to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football this week. The NFC North club dominated the Detroit Lions to begin the campaign. With the new addition of All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, they're as dangerous as any team in the conference.

Suffice to say, any adjustments from Dan Quinn between matchups will have to be made quickly. One of them already looks obvious.

Commanders' running back dynamic could take a seismic shift against the Packers

Seventh-round rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was the champion of the offseason for Washington. He impressed so much throughout camps and preseason that the team was willing to trade away starter Brian Robinson Jr. to clear a role for him.

Still, the player known as "Bill" had his work cut out to become Washington's featured back. He was placed fourth on the depth chart entering Week 1, though the team elected to activate him over Chris Rodriguez Jr. He responded by recording 82 rushing yards and one touchdown in the Commanders' win.

Austin Ekeler started the game, but Croskey-Merritt recorded more carries (10) than any other backfield threat. That should speak volumes about what the Commanders intend to do at the position moving forward.

Ekeler had a few impressive moments himself en route to racking up 57 total yards on six carries and three receptions. But at this stage of his career, he is not an every-down back.

The Commanders started Ekeler in Week 1. They didn't want to saddle Croskey-Merritt with too heavy a load in his NFL debut, but eventually, the rookie proved he is up to the challenge and then some.