Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt saw a career-high amount of work in the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. So, why the change? Here's what head coach Dan Quinn said.
Commanders reveal why Jacory Croskey-Merritt saw increased workload in Week 5 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fantasy football owners and Washington Commanders fans alike were thrilled to see rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt finally see an increased workload in the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
When veteran Austin Ekeler was lost for the season, it was assumed that Bill would be the lead back in Washington moving forward. However, that did not happen and instead JCM was forced to split work with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler recently revealed that fans shouldn't lose hope for the rookie back and he believed it was just a matter of time for Croskey-Merritt to get more work. He also revealed a lack of experience was holding Bill back.
Then, Week 5 happened.
Croskey-Merritt tallied season-highs in carries (14) and touches (16) and turned them into 150 scrimmage yards (111 rushing) and two touchdowns. He also played a season-high 28 snaps after averaging 18 over the first four games.
Why Croskey-Merritt got more work in Week 5
So, what was behind JCM's increased workload? Much to the chagrin of Allen Iverson, it was because of practice.
"(Head coach Dan) Quinn said Croskey-Merritt had a good week of practice and that helped him earn more time," head coach Dan Quinn said, ESPN's John Keim reported on Monday.
It has been abundantly clear that Croskey-Merritt is the most talented back the Commanders have, even when Ekeler was healthy and in the lineup.
It was always a matter of when, not if, he would be more involved.
It looks as though that time is finally upon us.
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