Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Bhayshul Tuten

Monday, September 22, 12:34 PM

Although Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn't all that efficient (3.5 yards per carry) in his 2025 debut in the team's 41-24 blowout win over the visiting Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, he did lead the team with 11 carries. Rodriguez was a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but he was elevated to the active roster for Week 3 after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. The 24-year-old ran for 39 yards on his 11 carries and was not utilized in the passing game. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt was second on the team with eight carries, and he, too, was inefficient with just 26 yards on the ground. Jeremy McNichols and quarterback Marcus Mariota combined for 10 rushing attempts and two touchdowns against the Raiders. Croskey-Merritt has the most upside in the Commanders' backfield moving forward with Ekeler done for the year, but Rodriguez is worth a waiver-wire pickup if you have JCM rostered or are looking for RB depth. Rodriguez is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.

Sunday, December 7, 2:51 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten (head) has been cleared to return to his team's Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Tuten briefly exited the game and was evaluated for a concussion, but evidently the rookie running back passed the necessary tests to return to the field. The Jaguars have split backfield playing time this season between Tuten, Travis Etienne Jr., and LeQuint Allen Jr., with Etienne Jr. serving as the team's feature back. Jacksonville may be cautious with Tuten's workload for the remainder of Week 14, but he has been cleared of a concussion.