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.

Friday, October 3, 3:00 PM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue, who has been a healthy inactive for each of the team's first four games, is expected to make his season debut on Sunday. Mile Sanders (knee/ankle) has not been practicing this week, and should he miss the team's Week 5 matchup with the Jets, Blue would be next in line to handle primary backup responsibilities behind surprise workhorse Javonte Williams. Where Blue could see an immediate impact is in the kicking game, where his 4.38-second 40 time makes him a considerable threat in space. While he's not yet a flex-worthy play for fantasy managers, he's worth holding onto through bye weeks wherever possible, as the undeniable skillset that made him a fifth-round pick, despite limited college production, could see him carve out a functional role moving forward.