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.

Saturday, November 15, 3:36 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) has a "significant" foot injury that will require season-ending surgery, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Dobbins suffered the injury in Week 10 and had already been ruled out for Denver's Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he will now be placed on Injured Reserve. It's an unfortunate development for the oft-injured 26-year-old, who was having a solid season in his first year in Denver. Through 10 games, Dobbins had recorded 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries. With Dobbins sidelined, Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey profiles as the team's RB1 for Week 11 and beyond. Fellow backs Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin could also factor in Denver, but neither profiles as a true threat to surpass Harvey.