Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Chris Rodriguez Jr.


Week 6 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Austin Ekeler News

Chris Rodriguez Jr. has Team-High 11 Carries in First Game Without Austin Ekeler

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.


Week 6 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
3.8 25.4 0.2 0.1 0.6 0.0

Chris Rodriguez Jr. News

Chris Rodriguez Jr. A Touchdown Dependent Play in Week 5

Friday, October 3, 9:42 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has led the backfield in carries and rushing yards over the last two weeks, compiling 98 yards on 18 attempts. Rodriguez has served as an early down hammer back this season, with him being brought up to the active roster after Austin Ekeler was lost for the season in Week 2. Rodriguez has tied for the lead in snaps with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the past two weeks and should continue to be involved on early downs and in short distances. He faces a tough test against a Chargers defense that has given up the fewest amount of fantasy points to running backs this season. Rodriguez is best left out of lineups for Week 5.


Austin Ekeler vs. Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Still trying to decide between Ekeler and Rodriguez Jr.? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Austin Ekeler is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Chris Rodriguez Jr. is projected to score 3.8 points.