Packers must account for Commanders' rising star in Week 2 1 Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley surveys practice on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Packers must account for Commanders’ rising star in Week 2

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 1:55 PM ET

The Washington Commanders bring a loaded roster to Lambeau Field for Thursday night’s game against the Packers, led by wunderkind second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels is among the most exciting young quarterbacks in the sport, and his mobility presents quite a challenge for Packers edge rushers Micah Parsons, Lukas Van Ness, and Rashan Gary.

However, it might be a different Commanders offensive weapon who could be a difference-maker for Washington.

Packers’ must account for Commanders rookie Jacorey Croskey-Merritt

In Washington’s season opener against the Giants, rookie running back Jacorey Croskey-Merritt sure looked like a secret weapon for Daniels and the Commanders’ offense.

The former Arizona standout, who fell to Washington in the seventh round of April’s NFL Draft, burst onto the scene with a game-high 82 rushing yards and a touchdown.

“He has great vision and balance,” Washington legend Brian Mitchell told me, of Croskey-Merritt, Sunday night. “He also has a great passion for the game; he’s the kind of guy who practices hard even when he knows he isn’t going to play.”

Sunday at Lambeau Field, the Packers’ rushing defense stonewalled Jahmyr Gibbs, holding the Lions’ star back to just 19 yards while averaging a meager 2.1 yards per carry.

A repeat performance from Sunday’s dominance up front would go a long way for the Packers to improve to 2-0 on the young season.

Packers legend has bold take on Micah Parsons' debut 2 Green Bay defensive end Micah Parsons (1) against Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) and offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Lions 27-13.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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