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.

Monday, October 20, 10:33 PM

As the Minnesota Vikings face a short week and a series of injuries in the backfield, running back Cam Akers is likely the next man up if needed on Thursday at the Los Angeles Chargers. Jordan Mason should still be the Vikings' top option, but Zavier Scott (wrist) is now facing an injury and Aaron Jones (hamstring) has not yet been activated off injured reserve. If Jones is not moved onto the active roster, Akers likely would be Minnesota's answer behind Mason. No action is needed just yet, but managers in deeper leagues might want to keep an eye on the Vikings' backfield if facing a bye-week crunch.