The Washington Commanders announced on Tuesday that they signed running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to their active 53-man roster from their practice squad. Both RBs Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) were injured in the Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and may not be available to play this Sunday in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. In addition to adding Rodriguez to the active roster, Washington worked out veteran RBs James Robinson and Boston Scott for additional insurance with it looking like they'll be without one or both of B-Rob and Ekeler this weekend. If they are both out, expect Rodriguez to at least be the RB2 behind Jeremy McNichols against Tennessee. Even in the event that happens, the 24-year-old will be hard to recommend as anything more than a desperation RB3/flex in the deepest fantasy leagues.
Nov 26, 2024 7:47 PM EST
With Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) returning to action on Thursday night against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a healthy inactive. Robinson missed the team's previous two games, which afforded Rodriguez 13 carries for 56 yards as a change-of-pace option behind Austin Ekeler. With B-Rob back in the fold, the Commanders will roll with Robinson, Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols as their three backs against Philly. The 24-year-old Rodriguez has played in only four games in 2024 in his second year in the league, with all his statistics coming in the last two games with Robinson sidelined. Obviously, the former sixth-rounder in 2023 out of Kentucky is off the fantasy radar.
Nov 14, 2024 7:13 PM EST
Washington Commanders kicker Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been signed to the active roster ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodriguez is back on the active roster with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for this weekend. The expectation is that Austin Ekeler and Rodriguez will split up the backfield duties for Washington. Last week, Rodriguez carried the ball 11 times for 52 yards in the win over the New York Giants. He'll get a tougher challenge against the Steelers defense this week, but he could have some desperation flex value for Week 10.
Nov 9, 2024 6:49 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could see increased opportunities as No.1 running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable and is in danger of missing his second-straight game. Last weekend, Rodriguez surprisingly saw more attempts than the presumed No.3 option Jeremy McNichols. In this game, Rodriguez tallied a team-high 52 yards off 11 attempts. However, the Kentucky product is still on the practice squad and would need to be elevated before Sunday's game in order to suit up. If the Commanders decide to leave him off the roster, fantasy managers should expect Jeremy McNichols to serve as the backup behind Austin Ekeler and could be worth a look as a desperation flex in deeper formats.
Nov 8, 2024 6:02 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the team in rushing with 53 yards in Week 9. Rodriguez tied Austin Ekeler with a team-high 11 carries. With Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) sidelined, the Commanders turned to a committee approach. However, Rodriguez emerged as the leader and saw most of the work down the stretch as the Commanders ran out the clock. The 24-year-old has spent most of the season on the practice squad, but this performance could eventually push him into the No.3 role over Jeremy McNichols, who tallied only 20 yards on eight carries. For now, Rodriguez should remain on all waiver wires.
Nov 3, 2024 4:22 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez was elevated off the practice squad ahead of Sunday's NFC East meeting with the New York Giants. The promotion to the main roster doesn't mean fantasy managers should rush to add the 25-year-old. Instead, it could mean Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) won't be on the field in Week 9. Of course, there is still time for Robinson to turn it around. But if Robinson isn't available, Austin Ekeler would draw a favorable matchup versus a Giants defense that has struggled against opposing running backs in the last few weeks, with Jeremy McNichols likely to get his scraps out of the backfield.
Nov 2, 2024 4:46 PM EST
The Washington Commanders released running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. on Tuesday, according to source. Rodriguez didn't survive cutdown day after the Commanders added Austin Ekeler in free agency in the offseason. The 23-year-old former sixth-round selection last year out of Kentucky finds himself on the open market now after carrying the ball 51 times for 247 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games in his rookie season in 2023. He added only two receptions for 12 yards. In the end, Rodriguez lost out on the competition for the No. 3 role behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Ekeler to Jeremy McNichols. If the power back doesn't get picked up by another team in search for RB depth, it's possible that Rodriguez will stay in D.C. on the team's practice squad. Before suffering an ankle injury, Rodriguez had a nice little five-game stretch in which he averaged 37.2 yards per game.
Aug 27, 2024 7:35 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is likely headed for the No. 3 role in the backfield behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler after the team passed on selecting another RB in this year's NFL draft. Rodriguez is the clear early-down backup to Robinson, whether that means five to 10 touches from scrimmage per game or a lower figure. However, he could have a bigger role on special teams if the Commanders view him as part of what looks like a trend of teams seeking bigger-bodied kick returners given the new league rules on kickoffs. The 23-year-old doesn't have a path to any kind of real fantasy value in 2024 unless one of Robinson or Ekeler go down with an injury. In his rookie campaign in 2023, Rodriguez had 51 carries for 247 yards and two touchdowns while catching two passes for 12 yards in 13 regular-season games.
May 25, 2024 11:22 AM EST
The Washington Commanders placed rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Thursday, meaning he will miss the final two games of the 2023 season. Rodriguez injured his right ankle in the Week 16 loss to the New York Jets, but not before carrying the ball 10 times for a season-high 58 yards and his first two rushing touchdowns in the NFL. The 23-year-old rookie saw 20 rushing attempts the last two weeks with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) out of action due to injury. Rodriguez finishes his first season in the NFL with 51 carries for 247 yards (4.84 yards per carry) and two TDs while adding two catches for 12 yards in 13 games played. Robinson returned to practice on Wednesday, meaning he could return to share the backfield with pass-catching specialist Antonio Gibson this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
Dec 28, 2023 12:03 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ankle) was unable to practice with the team on Wednesday. Rodriguez injured his ankle in the Week 16 loss to the New York Jets and was wearing a walking boot after Sunday's game, so there's a real chance he won't be available to Washington in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 23-year-old had a bigger workload with Brian Robinson Jr. out for the second straight game on Christmas Eve, and he responded by delivering 58 yards and two rushing scores on 10 rushing attempts for the second straight week. Even if Rodriguez returns to practice later this week and is able to play this Sunday, he might be back to third string if Robinson is able to make his return. The rookie RB won't have any fantasy appeal if B-Rob is active.
Dec 27, 2023 6:16 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ankle) will go for an MRI on Tuesday after injuring his ankle during his two-touchdown breakout game against the New York Jets in Week 16. Rodriguez's right foot was seen in a walking boot after the game, so the results of Tuesday's MRI hopefully able to shed some light on what is ailing him. Starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) has missed the past two games, so Rodriguez's injury could leave Antonio Gibson as the team's lead back in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Stay tuned.
Dec 26, 2023 9:01 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had 10 carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns along with one reception for seven yards during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. With starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for the second week in a row, Rodriguez ended up leading Washington's backfield in Week 16. In addition to his efficient running, the rookie also scored his first career touchdown in the second quarter while scoring another during the fourth quarter. If Robinson doesn't return next week, Rodriguez could be in play as a decent start against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.
Dec 24, 2023 5:10 PM EST
After seeing some unexpected usage in Week 15, Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be in line for more touches in Week 16. With starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for the second week in a row, the rookie could see some valuable touches. This week, the Commanders are taking on the New York Jets. This season, the Jets have allowed the ninth most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, making this an advantageous spot for Washington's ground game. If Rodriguez can see some solid work like he did last week, he could be a sneaky play for desperate teams in deep leagues.
Dec 22, 2023 2:06 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had 10 carries for 35 yards during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite all the hype for fellow running back Antonio Gibson, it was Rodriguez who ended up handling the lion's share of Washington's carries in Week 15. It wasn't an impressive outing for the rookie, but this performance shows where the backfield is at when starter Brian Robinson Jr. misses time. If Robinson is good to go in Week 16, then Rodriguez will likely return to his usual workload. However, he could be an interesting player to stash as a handcuff for the late season.
Dec 17, 2023 8:25 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be in play as a last-ditch streamer this week. With starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out, the rookie could see more carries than usual. In Week 15, the Commanders will head out on the road to take on the Los Angeles Rams. Although that isn't the best matchup in the world, Rodriguez may fall into the end zone with a higher opportunity share. Fellow running back Antonio Gibson will probably assume most of the work, but the rookie could provide value for managers in a pinch with increased usage. Consider him in only the most desperate of situations in Week 15.
Dec 15, 2023 7:07 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 43 yards on six attempts and caught one pass for five yards in the team's 31-19 loss to the New York Giants. He also lost a fumble, which was one of six turnovers for Washington on Sunday. The rookie was filling in as the backup running back for the injured Antonio Gibson (toe). That allowed him to tie his career-high in touches and break his personal best rushing yards mark. This backfield still belongs to Brian Robinson Jr. and any other running back is simply a complimentary piece. Even if Gibson were to miss Thursday's tilt against Dallas, Rodriguez won't be on fantasy radars due to limited opportunities and a tough matchup on the road.
Nov 20, 2023 10:01 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be a name to watch during Week 8. After seeing little usage for the first six weeks of the season, the rookie ended up splitting carries with fellow back Brian Robinson Jr. while also leading Washington in rushing during Week 7. With the Commanders taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, one thing to monitor is if Rodriguez maintains his role or if he sees an even larger share. With no teams on bye, there are likely few rosters in need of the rookie's services. However, he could be an interesting player to hold over the weekend as an upside stash.
Oct 27, 2023 5:26 PM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had seven carries for 31 yards in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants. Although this wasn't an awe-inspiring performance from the rookie, it was notable considering it was his first real work of the season. With two players ahead of him on the depth chart, most assumed the former Kentucky back would see little usage this season. However, he surprised everyone by leading the Commanders in rushing while splitting work with Brian Robinson Jr. during Week 7. Heading into a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, he's a name to monitor as a sneaky add off the waiver wire.
Oct 22, 2023 6:17 PM EST
Washington Commanders rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice. Rodriguez, who was drafted by the Commanders in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, missed the team's Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles with an illness. The rookie hasn't seen many opportunities as the RB3 in Washington behind running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson. He has just three carries for seven yards on six offensive snaps this season. Rodriguez will need to likely practice in full on Wednesday to not carry a designation into Thursday's matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Oct 4, 2023 12:14 AM EST
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had seven carries for 52 yards in Saturday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. With the starters getting the night off, Rodriguez was entrusted to lead the rushing attack out of the backfield. As the top back, he looked strong before being subbed out at halftime. The sixth-round rookie has been impressive this preseason, averaging 7.2 yards per carry on 17 attempts for 122 yards. With these solid performances adding up, it wouldn't be surprising to see the former Kentucky standout as third in line behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.
Aug 27, 2023 9:59 AM EST