Who Should I Start? Antonio Gibson or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Monday, August 4, 11:22 PM

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Hines of SBNation. Gibson was dealing with an undisclosed issue, but everything appears to be all good with him health-wise. The 2020 third-round pick had a solid first season in New England in 2024, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 9 yards per reception. With the addition of 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson, along with the presence of Rhamondre Stevenson, Gibson will likely be reduced to a backup role behind them.

Thursday, September 11, 7:06 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a healthy inactive for the second straight week to open the season in 2025 on Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. There were rumblings at the end of training camp that Rodriguez could have a significant early-down role alongside rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt after the team traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, but that has not been the case. The 24-year-old RB has opened the year as the No. 4 behind Croskey-Merritt, veteran Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols. JCR has the most upside of any back in Washington's offense as the favorite for most of the early down work, while Ekeler has flex appeal in point-per-reception leagues. At least for another week, Rodriguez belongs on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy formats.