Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Bhayshul Tuten

Tuesday, August 19, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is still viewed as a "key" piece of the offense, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Earlier this week, reports suggested that the Commanders were actively looking to find a trade partner for running back Brian Robinson Jr. During training camp and the opening weeks of the preseason, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has flashed immense upside and appears to be in the running to take the starting job over Robinson. Last season, Ekeler served as the primary third-down running back in the offense. While he missed five games, he was rather productive when on the field. During his first 10 games in D.C., Ekeler averaged a solid 12.3 PPR points per game with solid 5.1 YPC. Even if Robinson were to stay on the Commanders, Ekeler would likely have a significant role on passing downs. He is worth a look as a late-round depth RB as he could even carve out a more substantial role if Robinson were to be traded.

Sunday, August 24, 4:06 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten finished his preseason with 16 carries for 59 yards and two touchdowns. The fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, who missed some training camp time with a hamstring injury, has shown flashes of his dual-threat ability. Tuten, who had 1,159 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground and 23 catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns in his final year at Virginia Tech, will start the season behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. However, he is a late-round stash with massive upside if either of the starters gets hurt. He could carve out a significant pass-catching role for himself throughout the season.