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.

Wednesday, October 22, 1:04 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will not make it back for Sunday's divisional contest against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving will be missing his fourth straight game due to a foot sprain and a subluxation of his shoulder. However, with Tampa's bye coming in Week 9, perhaps he'll be ready to make his return in Week 10 when the team takes on the New England Patriots on Nov. 9. With the 23-year-old set to miss yet another game, Rachaad White will be in play as an RB2 in all fantasy formats while making his fourth straight start as the lead back for the Buccaneers, with Sean Tucker handling backup duties again.