Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Cam Akers

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, November 26, 1:47 PM

The Seattle Seahawks are signing free-agent running back Cam Akers to their active 53-man roster on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Akers, 26, spent time with the Minnesota Vikings this season and will now join the 8-3 Seahawks for RB depth. The Seahawks are facing the Vikings in Week 13 this Sunday. Akers appeared in only three games for Minnesota this year, carrying the ball five times for 19 yards while also completing a 32-yard pass on a trick play. The six-year NFL veteran will give Seattle some more backfield depth, with George Holani (hamstring) a candidate to land on Injured Reserve. Akers probably won't have any fantasy value as long as both Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet stay healthy.