Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Isiah Pacheco

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.

Sunday, November 2, 10:51 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is expected to return in Week 11, following the team's bye, according to head coach Andy Reid (via CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson). Pacheco has already been ruled out for Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills, and he'll use the bye week as a little extra time to rest and recover. In the meantime, Kansas City's backfield will be led by Kareem Hunt, while rookie Brashard Smith also figures to get involved. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Elijah Mitchell round out the running back depth chart. Pacheco should rank as a high-end RB3/flex against the Broncos when he returns.