Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 33.7 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 9.9 | 0.1 |
Austin Ekeler News
Tuesday, February 10, 9:31 AM
Pending free agent running back Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season, but has struggled with injuries since. The 30-year-old back managed fewer than 70 offensive snaps in 2025 before a devastating Achilles injury ended his season in Week 2. While his touchdown numbers have dropped precipitously from his fantasy glory days with the Chargers, he continued to prove himself a valuable part of the Commanders' passing game. With almost a full year of recovery before the start of the 2026 season and a work ethic second to none, it should come as no surprise if he signs a minimal short-term deal when free agency opens in March, potentially carving out a dedicated third-down role. While his RB1 days are clearly behind him, he could represent a next-to-nothing dynasty buy with the occasional spike week still in his future.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Chris Rodriguez Jr. News
Wednesday, March 11, 1:39 PM
The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to an undisclosed two-year deal on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Rodriguez will head to the AFC South after three years in Washington. The 25-year-old former sixth-round pick by the Commanders in 2023 out of Kentucky had his best year in 2025, carrying the ball 112 times for 500 yards and six touchdowns, which were all career-highs. He also caught three passes for 30 yards in 13 games played (seven starts) in D.C. In his three years with Washington, C-Rod had 10 rushing touchdowns while averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per tote. Jacksonville lost Travis Etienne Jr. to the New Orleans Saints in free agency and will now go into the 2026 campaign with Rodriguez, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. as their backfield options, barring another RB addition in the upcoming draft. Tuten figures to be the Jags' RB1, but Rodriguez could easily have flex appeal in a complementary role in a rising offense.
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 8.0 points this week while Chris Rodriguez Jr. is projected to score 0.0 points.
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