Shocking Commanders Roster Move Could Unlock Star Potential for Rookie Playmaker in 2025

The Washington Commanders training camp has officially started with both rookies and veterans taking the field at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park.

Despite training camp just getting underway, one recent roster move could be a great sign for one Commanders newcomer entering his rookie season.

Does The Release of RB Michael Wiley Signal How the Commanders Feel About Rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt?

Shortly after the Commanders release of RB Michael Wiley earlier this week, Ivan Lambert of the Commanders Wire believes this move could signal good things for rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt entering the 2025 NFL season.

Lambert wrote, “Secondly, running backs Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez have all returned from last season’s Commanders roster. What’s more, GM Adam Peters determined to draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the final (7th) round of the most recent NFL draft. It seems too early to make such a decision, but perhaps the Commanders have already determined Croskey-Merritt is much better than Wiley?”

As is the case for most late Day 3 picks of the NFL Draft entering their rookie season, Crosky-Merritt needs to prove he is worth a roster spot with a strong training camp.

Lambert touched on how the release of Wiley has turned this into a bit of a five man competition in the Washington backfield.

Lambert added, “This, however, still leaves only five running backs in training camp for the Commanders. The Commanders are going to have to run the ball in each of those three preseason games. How many times do you actually want to have Robinson, Ekeler running the ball in the preseason? The more they are called on to run the ball, the more the odds are in favor of a running back being injured in a meaningless preseason game.”

Admittedly, the release of Wiley doesn’t necessarily mean the team won’t jump at the opportunity to bring in another running back if one becomes available at some point leading up to the season.

Lambert concluded, “Therefore, as another player at another position shows himself worthy of being cut early, don’t be surprised if the Commanders do sign another running back to share the load of carries needed in the three preseason games. Honestly, sometimes running backs stay with the team during the preseason to carry the ball in preseason games, thereby preventing running backs who are going to make the roster from playing and getting injured.”

Washington Commanders Position Battles to Monitor at Training Camp

The running back position is one position group to monitor this preseason but another interesting position battle to keep a close eye on will be the offensive line.

The Commanders spent their first round pick on Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon, who the team hopes will be ready to start at right tackle for Week 1.

Sam Cosmi tore his ACL in the Commanders win over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round, which means some combination of Conerly, Laremy Tunsil, Tyler Biadasz, Andrew Wylie, and Brandon Coleman should be the starting five up front for Washington until Cosmi is ready to take the field in 2025.