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, November 28, 10:35 PM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason, leading to him being a late-round dart throw in fantasy football drafts. Blue has been unable to carry over that momentum during the summer into his first NFL season, though, as he's been active for only four games in 2025. The 21-year-old fifth-round selection out of Texas didn't make his debut until Week 5, and he has been a healthy scratch in four consecutive games since he fumbled the ball away in the team's Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. It seemed as though Blue had a clear path to RB2 duties after Miles Sanders had season-ending knee surgery, but Malik Davis has ascended the depth chart behind starter Javonte Williams instead. In his four games this year, Blue has only 22 carries for 65 yards (3.0 yards per carry) and no touchdowns. Blue should only be stashed in keeper/dynasty leagues.