Commanders' Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt First NFL Player With 75+ Rushing Yards, TD Debut

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory 'Bill' Croskey-Merritt made a historic and impressive NFL debut in Week 1 against the New York Giants, rushing 10 times for 82 yards and scoring a touchdown. Drafted in the seventh round and only playing one game in his final college season, Croskey-Merritt became the first player drafted outside the top 200 picks to rush for at least 75 yards and a touchdown in his debut, showcasing a diverse and explosive running style. His runs included a six-yard touchdown in the second quarter and a notable 42-yard gain late in the game, which helped secure the 21-6 victory. Croskey-Merritt's performance highlighted his patience and north-south running approach, and he immediately earned a key role in the Commanders' offense, especially on early downs. Despite his strong rushing debut, his pass-catching remains limited, which will likely keep teammate Austin Ekeler involved in passing situations. Croskey-Merritt's excitement and energy were evident, and he is still developing his signature end zone celebration.