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Did you see a very interesting 53-man roster projection this weekend?
Ben Standig, one of the Washington Commanders’ top beat reporters, has updated his 53-man roster projection. There was one position group that really caught my attention. Standig is very solid; he doesn’t attempt to do things merely for attention. So, when I saw his most recent projection, I had to admit, it caused me to do a double-take.
The position group that really caught my eye was the running back group. The 2024 team typically dressed three on game days, sometimes four. Those four were Brian Robinson Jr, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez. All four have returned to the 2025 team and are vying for a roster spot. The Commanders also drafted running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (“Bill”) way down in the seventh round. He has impressed in training camp, and did have a nine-yard run Friday against the Patriots.
Interestingly enough, Standig projects Kazmeir Allen as the fourth running back for the 2025 Commanders. He includes JCM, Brian Robinson Jr and Austin Ekeler. Against the Patriots, Allen did not receive any rushing attempt opportunities. He did return four kickoffs for 101 yards, with a long return of 28 yards. Standig’s rationale for adding Allen, while not keeping McNichols or Rodriguez? “Allen’s return juice and gadget potential give him the tiebreaker. That’s the romantic in me.”
Standig does great work reporting on the team, and honestly, he is always one of those I read when I go to X (Twitter) to see what reporters are writing about the Commanders. In addition, his mock drafts are legendary, far superior to most who participate in the practice.
Yet, I can’t help but view Allen and Ekeler’s skills set as too similar. I see Rodriguez and McNichols both as superior to Ekeler and Allen in three key areas of punt coverage, kickoff coverage and pass blocking. Both have plenty of tape, which demonstrates their contributions in these vital areas. Therefore, I can’t see Allen making the roster at any time, unless Ekeler is injured badly enough and is placed on injured reserve. I can see Allen replacing Ekeler, but not both simultaneously.
However, I have been wrong many times previously, and will be wrong many times again in the future.
#running #backs #Commanders
