Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaylen Warren

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, September 26, 4:23 PM

According to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) is expected to play on Sunday despite carrying a questionable designation. Warren was listed as a limited participant throughout the week due to veteran rest and a knee injury. However, Warren was unable to progress enough to avoid a designation following Friday's final practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff in case he faces a setback, but it appears he is trending in the right direction. Throughout the opening month of the season, Warren has been able to emerge as the top option in the Pittsburgh backfield. Warren has been given 14.3 rushing attempts per game and seen 4.0 targets per game. Given his role as a pass-catcher, Warren carries high-floor RB2 value in PPR formats despite facing a tough Minnesota defense that has allowed the 10th fewest PR points to opposing RBs this season. If he is unable to play, Kenneth Gainwell will likely operate as the primary option with Trey Sermon and Kaleb Johnson slotting behind him.