Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Chuba Hubbard

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.

Saturday, November 1, 12:37 AM

Chuba Hubbard may not be worth consideration for fantasy lineups in Week 9 against the Packers, unless you are in a desperate situation. Since returning in Week 7 from a calf injury, Hubbard has totaled just 65 rushing yards and 8.5 PPR fantasy points. During that span, the running game workload was split between Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, and Hubbard took the most snaps (57%). Dowdle was the more efficient runner, though, outrushing Hubbard 133 to 65 yards. Earlier in the week, head coach Dave Canales said that Dowdle would be the team's starting RB in Week 9 and get the bulk of carries. Although Hubbard will contribute to the running game, his reduction in touches severely lowers his fantasy outlook, especially against a Packers run defense that allowed 13.9 points to RBs in the last two weeks, which was fifth-best in the league during that period. For now, Hubbard should be left on the bench for Week 9 against Green Bay. Be sure to monitor any trade rumors involving him heading up to the trade deadline. A move to another team could instantly revive his fantasy appeal, so don't cut Hubbard yet.