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Commanders 2026 training camp preview: Running back
Commanders 2026 training camp preview: Running back
It's officially training camp week across the NFL. Several teams open camp this week. The Washington Commanders do not practice this week, but rookies are scheduled to report on Friday. Veterans will report next week, with the first day of training camp slated for July 29.
There are multiple questions surrounding the Commanders in 2026. Several of those questions are on offense. While everyone wants to know if quarterback Jayden Daniels is 100% and will play as he did in 2024, or which veteran receiver the Commanders will sign, there are other things going on.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWashington's backfield will look different behind Daniels in 2026. Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are gone. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols return. The Commanders also added two veteran backs and two rookies. While some spots are settled, there should be some competitive battles this summer.
Let's look at Washington's running back situation ahead of training camp.
Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt
Robert Henry Jr.
Croskey-Merritt and White are the top two. There are two rookies (Allen and Henry), and two more veterans (McNichols and Ford). McNichols is entering his third season in Washington. He does everything well, whether it's on offense or on special teams.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCroskey-Merritt was one of the NFL's more pleasant surprises in 2025. A seventh-round pick, Bill led the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He did it in a part-time role, too. He got bigger this offseason in anticipation of a more significant role. White comes to Washington with the intention of being the third-down back, but he can be much more than that. White excels in pass protection and as a receiver. The Commanders were excited about him this offseason.
Training camp battle to watch
Jerome Ford vs. Jeremy McNichols
We are going to assume that Kaytron Allen is close to being a lock. Not close enough to put him on that list, but the Commanders aren't cutting their sixth-round pick. Plus, he brings something different to this backfield. So that leaves us to determine who will be the final running back. McNichols should have the edge for the reasons we previously mentioned. He excels everywhere and is a great teammate. He's reliable. Ford is intriguing. The 26-year-old has delivered when given the chance and rushed for over 800 yards in 2023.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHow many running backs will make the 53-man roster?
We are going to assume four will make it, which is why we named Ford vs. McNichols as the training camp battle to watch. Croskey-Merritt and White are locks, while Allen is close to being one. It's hard to imagine McNichols not making it either, but you have to remember, this is a new offensive scheme. Also, other players, such as Ford and Henry, an impressive UDFA, have the opportunity to open some eyes this summer and make things difficult for GM Adam Peters.
While some may call this situation a running back-by-committee deal, we aren't sure that's how things will play out. Croskey-Merritt should lead the Commanders in carries, with White picking up the slack. Allen will figure to get some opportunities in short yardage. Of course, this assumes good health for all. Each of these running backs should be an excellent fit in Blough's new scheme, which will feature more zone blocking than in the previous two years. If Croskey-Merritt is healthy, he could go over 1,000 yards in his second NFL season. White could prove to be one of the NFL's best bargains. Remember, he signed a one-year deal for just $2 million in March.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders 2026 training camp preview: Running back