Previewing the Commanders' running backs ahead of training camp

There are several questions about what the Washington Commanders will look like on offense in 2026. It starts with new offensive coordinator David Blough. What about Washington’s running game? The Commanders have made some backfield changes this offseason. Let’s review those moves.

• Chris Rodriguez: He had the second most carries on the 2025 team (112) and thus the second most yards gained rushing with 500. One thing about Rodriguez that was noticeable in both 2024 and 2025, his success rate was high, leading the team both seasons. But the Commanders were determined to let Rodriguez hit the market, and he found a good deal from the Jaguars that he simply could not refuse.

• Austin Ekeler: Went down in the second game with a torn Achilles and was done for the season. Thus, he only contributed 14 carries and five receptions out of the backfield. Ekeler has been working hard all offseason in hopes another team would sign an age-31 running back who just tore his Achilles tendon the previous season. Becoming an unrestricted free agent on March 11, Ekeler unfortunately still remains unsigned.

Chris Rodriguez: He had the second most carries on the 2025 team (112) and thus the second most yards gained rushing with 500. One thing about Rodriguez that was noticeable in both 2024 and 2025, his success rate was high, leading the team both seasons. But the Commanders were determined to let Rodriguez hit the market, and he found a good deal from the Jaguars that he simply could not refuse.

Austin Ekeler: Went down in the second game with a torn Achilles and was done for the season. Thus, he only contributed 14 carries and five receptions out of the backfield. Ekeler has been working hard all offseason in hopes another team would sign an age-31 running back who just tore his Achilles tendon the previous season. Becoming an unrestricted free agent on March 11, Ekeler unfortunately still remains unsigned.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt: “Bill” returns for his second season, after experiencing some very promising moments during his rookie season. In 2025, Bill had the most carries (175), rushing yards (805), rushing touchdowns (8), rushing first downs (41), longest rush (72 yards), and most rushing yards per game (47.4). He will definitely need to improve as a receiver and blocker in the pass game in 2026.

• Jeremy McNichols: Though he will turn 31 in December, don’t count out McNichols. He was the best RB out of the backfield in the passing game last season with 25 receptions and solid blocking. Not only does he play return teams, but he is also effective and willing in coverage teams (this is very important). He had a 60-yard run last season against the Raiders.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt: “Bill” returns for his second season, after experiencing some very promising moments during his rookie season. In 2025, Bill had the most carries (175), rushing yards (805), rushing touchdowns (8), rushing first downs (41), longest rush (72 yards), and most rushing yards per game (47.4). He will definitely need to improve as a receiver and blocker in the pass game in 2026.

Jeremy McNichols: Though he will turn 31 in December, don’t count out McNichols. He was the best RB out of the backfield in the passing game last season with 25 receptions and solid blocking. Not only does he play return teams, but he is also effective and willing in coverage teams (this is very important). He had a 60-yard run last season against the Raiders.

• Rachaad White: Reminds me of a Kelvin Bryant-type running back. He can catch the ball and can make valuable contributions running the ball after the catch. But probably not the guy they want to be their RB1, having to run too often inside.

• Jerome Ford: Played his first four NFL seasons with the Browns after being drafted in the 5th round (156) in 2022. At 5-10, 210, he possesses the ability to run inside. Will be competing for a roster spot.

• Kaytron Allen: The 187th pick in round six of the 2026 draft. Was the leading all-time rusher in Penn State history.

• Robert Henry: An undrafted free agent signed out of the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is 5’9, 196 pounds. Watching film of his running brings to mind former Washington RB Jaret Patterson. Perhaps they will look to see if Henry can be kept on their practice squad for the 2026 season.

Rachaad White: Reminds me of a Kelvin Bryant-type running back. He can catch the ball and can make valuable contributions running the ball after the catch. But probably not the guy they want to be their RB1, having to run too often inside.

Jerome Ford: Played his first four NFL seasons with the Browns after being drafted in the 5th round (156) in 2022. At 5-10, 210, he possesses the ability to run inside. Will be competing for a roster spot.

Kaytron Allen: The 187th pick in round six of the 2026 draft. Was the leading all-time rusher in Penn State history.

Robert Henry: An undrafted free agent signed out of the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is 5’9, 196 pounds. Watching film of his running brings to mind former Washington RB Jaret Patterson. Perhaps they will look to see if Henry can be kept on their practice squad for the 2026 season.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Previewing the Commanders’ running backs ahead of training camp