Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Bucky Irving

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.

Monday, November 17, 12:52 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will be worked in more this week during practice and then be re-evaluated at the end of the week, according to the Pewter Report. Irving has not played since Week 4, but the 23-year-old returned to limited practices last week and continues to make progress towards a potential return. Irving is dealing with a shoulder subluxation and a sprained foot, with his shoulder being the bigger issue. Whether he's able to return in a Week 12 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday will depend on his practice status and how he bounces back. Irving should operate as Tampa's lead back when he's back to full health, but he could be eased into the Bucs' backfield alongside Rachaad White and Sean Tucker when he's active again.