Jacory Croskey-Merritt Among Commanders Placed on Injured Reserve

The Washington Commanders will officially be without a key piece on offense for at least four games.

Ahead of the week six matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, the team announced that running back Bill Croskey-Merritt has been placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury.

The good news is Croskey-Merritt will get another week to recover with the Commanders set for the bye week in week seven before returning to face the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals. The second year running back was among multiple players who were ruled out ahead of week six. Croskey-Merritt also joined outside linebacker Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who did not practice due to a pectoral injury, as the two who were placed on injured reserve ahead of the Monday night meeting.

Croskey-Merritt narrowly leads the team in rushing with 239 yards through five games, while teaming up with quarterback Jayden Daniels for a team-high two rushing touchdowns thanks to Daniels' two scores in week five. After also noting that he's capable of becoming a receiving back during the offseason, Croskey-Merritt also has just 40 yards on five catches and six targets through five games.

Yet the 25 year old is also coming off a slow start to the season where he failed to eclipse four yards per carry through the first four games. Croskey-Merritt responded with 82 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries last week, though was limited in the second half before ultimately not practicing ahead of week six.

The news also came as the team announced running back Jeremy McNichols has been removed from the injury report, paving the way for the veteran to be one of two to make their season debut in week six against the San Francisco 49ers.

McNichols now rounds out a room expected to be anchored by Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White, already a stark difference from the week one rotation that featured White, Croskey-Merritt and former draft pick Kaytron Allen, who has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins.

Croskey-Merritt entered the season as one of the bright spots from the 2025 draft class after totaling 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries, including a pair of 100-yard performances. The former seventh round pick proved to a dependable piece in the rotation as he also entered the offseason as the lone running back under contract.