Jacory Croskey-Merritt's numbers against the Seahawks were modest, but his workload told a bigger story. The Commanders running back carried 19 times for 36 yards and added one catch for seven yards in Sunday's 33-31 win, giving him a season-high 20 touches.
That kind of volume matters because Croskey-Merritt has already emerged as the Commanders' top early-down option this season. Through three games, he had 142 rushing yards and one touchdown on 47 carries, and the Seahawks game suggested the team is still willing to lean on him even when the efficiency is not there.
Why the workload matters
There is no way to dress up 36 rushing yards on 19 carries as an efficient performance. But in the context of how the Commanders have used him, the carries are important evidence that he is trusted to handle a meaningful share of the backfield work.
For a running back in that role, opportunity often comes before breakout production. Croskey-Merritt was still involved as both a runner and a receiver, and that combination is what keeps him central to the conversation around this offense.
What comes next for Washington
The next chance to build on that role could come in Week 4, when the Commanders are back home against the Colts. That matchup may offer more room for Croskey-Merritt to operate, which is especially relevant after a game in which the workload was high but the yardage was limited.
There is also a wider team context to watch. Sunday's game against the Colts in London was expected to be without Terry McLaurin, a note that adds another layer to Washington's lineup picture as it prepares for the next stretch of the season.
