Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaylen Wright

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 24, 7:59 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright started the season sidelined by a knee injury, but he has been available since Week 4. However, Wright still doesn't have a target, a carry, or even an offensive snap. He was a healthy scratch in Week 5 and Week 6, but in Week 7, he was active. He was still not involved in the offense; however, still playing behind De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II. Wright showed flashes of upside last year as a rookie, and his name has been floated in trade rumors this season. However, it's hard to get a real idea of how good he can be when he's so uninvolved. If the Dolphins give him some work this week against the Falcons, he could at least boost his trade value. Since he hasn't done anything all year, Wright is the No. 73 RB in RotoBaller's rankings. He is off the fantasy radar for now, but it's worth monitoring to see if he gets any work this week.