The Washington Commanders' decision to trade Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round selection highlighted the confidence in their young running backs entering the 2025 campaign. Commanders are throwing Jacory Croskey-Merritt into the fire after Austin Ekeler injuryAnd there could be no bigger beneficiary than Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Jeremy McNichols is the veteran presence in Ekeler's absence, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. should be more involved as the physical option. That's an insurance policy if things don't quite work out with Croskey-Merritt, and he's built enough momentum to deserve a look as the ground game's focal point. At the same time, general manager Adam Peters must have contingency plans ready to go if things don't quite go according to plan.