Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or J.K. Dobbins

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 19, 3:37 PM

The Denver Broncos are opening the 21-day practice window for running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), who suffered what was thought to be a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Depending on how he looks and feels in practice this week, Dobbins has a chance to play in Sunday's AFC Championship game against the visiting New England Patriots. It would be great news for a Broncos team that received the devastating news shortly after Saturday's Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills that star quarterback Bo Nix is out for the rest of the playoffs with a broken ankle. Still, Dobbins might have a better chance to return if the Broncos pull off the upset over the Pats to reach the Super Bowl. If he does return this weekend, we'd expect a limited role for Dobbins alongside rookie RJ Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin.