The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team unless specified by a direct quote.
The pads came on in Week Two of the Washington Commanders’ training camp. Here are four standouts from the past few days.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Croskey-Merritt has been one of Commanders fans’ favorite rookies since he was drafted in the seventh round, and that interest should increase after what he did in full-padded practices.
Croskey-Merritt worked with the starting offense on Thursday, as the offense emphasized their run game for several 11-on-11 periods. While it isn’t unusual for players from the second and third groups to get some time with the starting offense, some of Croskey-Merritt’s best reps on the day came during that portion of practice. He broke loose for a big run down the left sideline and showed impressive vision as he cuts through defenders on a run up the middle.
Croskey-Merritt also isn’t afraid of contact. On one run earlier in the week, he met Tyler Owens in the second level of the defense and delivered a hit to the veteran safety. Owens responded with the same intensity, but Croskey-Merritt shrugged off the hit and kept running for more yardage. Neither player hit the other with full intensity, but it showed that Croskey-Merritt won’t shy away from being physical.
There’s still plenty for Croskey-Merritt to prove, but the excitement for the rookie is growing by the day.