Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaydon Blue

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 5, 9:56 AM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue was a non-factor for the Cowboys during the 2026 season. Still, with them missing the playoffs and having nothing to play for in Week 17, they decided to rest a handful of starters, such as running back Javonte Williams, which allowed Blue to get the start. He made the most out of it, rushing 16 times for 64 yards (4.0 YPC) and scoring his first career touchdown. He out-touched rookie Phil Mafah 16 to five in this contest. Blue was not involved at all in the passing game and finished his rookie campaign with 38 rush attempts for 129 yards (3.39 YPC) and one touchdown. Cowboys lead running back, Williams, was on a one-year deal, meaning his return to the team will certainly impact Blue's 2026 outlook. The former fifth-round pick in 2025, Blue, remains a dynasty stash at best.