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.

Friday, October 3, 8:36 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Friday with a shoulder ailment. Tuten hasn't missed any time yet in his rookie campaign, but if he doesn't put in a full practice on Saturday, he could be questionable to play on Monday night in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old feels safe to be active on Monday night, but his final injury status is worth watching on Saturday. Travis Etienne Jr. is the Jags' No. 1 back, but Tuten has been involved and has already shown his big-play ability early on. Tuten has averaged seven touches a game and 39 scrimmage yards while finding the end zone two times in the last three games. Against a stout Chiefs run defense, though, Tuten will merely be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for fantasy managers if he's active.