Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Bryce Young

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, January 13, 11:55 AM

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was non-committal on Tuesday when asked if the team is considering a contract extension for quarterback Bryce Young, according to David Newton of ESPN. "We're still talking through the roster. It's up in the air, and we're still working through it," Morgan said. Young had the best season of his young career in 2025, setting career highs in completion percentage (63.6%), passing yards (3,011), and touchdown passes (23) while throwing 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2023 led the Panthers to their first postseason appearance since 2018. The Panthers are expected to pick up Young's fifth-year option, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they hold off on a long-term extension until after the 2026 season.