Commanders get no respect in NFL running back rankings

There are plenty of questions surrounding the Washington Commanders in 2026. How will Washington's two first-time coordinators handle their roles? Can GM Adam Peters' offseason defensive makeover improve one of the NFL's worst units? Can a healthy Jayden Daniels return to his 2024 form?

We could go on and on, but when you go 5-12, one season after finishing 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship, there will be questions. One of the most scrutinized positions on Washington's roster is running back.

Returning in 2026 are Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round steal in 2024, leading the Commanders with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a part-time role. He also averaged 4.6 yards per attempt. There is a legitimate belief that Croskey-Merritt can become a reliable every-down back.

McNichols is the steady veteran who thrives on special teams and, when given the opportunity, on offense.

Gone are Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Ekeler's departure was unsurprising, given his age and his recovery from an Achilles injury. Rodriguez's exit was a mild surprise, considering he took advantage of every limited opportunity he received over the last few years.

In are Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, rookie Kaytron Allen and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr.

White is the most successful of Washington's backs. He spent the past four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Ford comes from Cleveland, where he played a limited role. Allen is the wild card. He is Penn State's all-time leading rusher and can give the Commanders something the others don't.

How do others view Washington's running back situation? Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis recently ranked all 32 NFL backfields. The Commanders came in at No. 32, dead last.

Washington’s running backs rank dead last at 32nd this year. Jacory Croskey, Merritt finished as the team’s leading rusher in 2025, but he will split time with Rachaad White, who was signed in free agency. White adds a receiving threat in the backfield that Washington did not have last year. He has over 200 total receptions in his four years in the NFL.

Ouch.

It's fair to question this group. Croskey-Merritt has not been a full-time NFL lead back. White has averaged 3.9 yards per attempt in his career. Allen is a rookie.

The Commanders are preparing for Croskey-Merritt to take on a more significant role in 2026. This offseason, he bulked up and has worked on other areas of his game, such as catching passes out of the backfield.

Washington may not have a Christian McCaffrey or Bijan Robinson in its running back room, but that doesn't mean this group can't be successful, especially when paired with Daniels, one of the NFL's elite athletes.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders get no respect in NFL running back rankings