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.

Monday, January 5, 12:48 PM

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) said he is hoping to be back healthy by training camp as the long-term goal, according to Evan Barnes of Newsday. There is no rush for Skattebo to be back for organized team activities in the spring. "I'm juiced to see what this franchise can be within the next five years," Skattebo said. The 23-year-old from Arizona State took over the Giants' backfield by midseason, but his rookie campaign came to an end when he dislocated his right ankle in Week 8. The bruising back ran for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries while also catching 24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver in eight games. Long term, Skattebo figures to be New York's lead back, but his fantasy value in 2026 will depend on how his recovery goes and whether he'll be ready for the start of the regular season in the fall.