Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Cam Skattebo

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.

Friday, January 30, 10:58 AM

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2025, recording 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 125 touches across eight games played. However, the 23-year-old had his first NFL campaign cut short in Week 8 when he suffered a dislocated right ankle that required season-ending surgery. While Skattebo will be coming off a significant injury, Giants general manager Joe Schoen recently said that the team expects him back for organized team activities in the spring. That bodes well for Skattebo's 2026 outlook, as he should have a full training camp to re-integrate himself into New York's offense. Before getting injured, Skattebo had surpassed fellow Giants back Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the team's depth chart. While New York will have an entirely new coaching staff in 2026, Skattebo feels like a safe bet to re-assume a lead rushing role, particularly around the goal line. As long as he progresses as expected in his rehab, Skattebo's fantasy stock in both redraft and dynasty formats should be trending upwards after his encouraging rookie year.