Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Boston Scott

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.

Tuesday, November 26, 6:08 PM

The Washington Commanders have brought in free agent running backs James Robinson and Boston Scott for workouts. The Commanders are thin at running back with Austin Ekeler (concussion) and Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) both exiting the team's Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with injuries. Robinson and Scott have both enjoyed success in the past. Robinson most recently played in one game for the Green Bay Packers in 2023 while providing depth on their practice squad. He is known for rushing for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns as an undrafted rookie running back in 2020. Scott spent the first six years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent time on the practice squads of both the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Both players are quality backs that would provide a steady veteran presence in the locker room. Neither would move the needle much in fantasy. Instead, fantasy managers should turn to Jeremy McNichols as insurance in the Commanders' backfield.