Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Justice Hill

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 14, 5:02 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (toe) has been officially ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Hill was able to get in a limited practice on Friday after missing the first two sessions of the week, but will ultimately end up missing his first game of the season in Week 11. The 27-year-old has filled the passing-down role in Baltimore's backfield behind Derrick Henry, handling 18 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns along with 21 catches for 169 yards and another touchdown on 27 targets. His absence will lead to more reps for Keaton Mitchell, who has been dynamic on his touches this season. Head coach John Harbaugh has told reporters that he hopes to incorporate Mitchell more on game day, and we will get a good chance to see that in Week 11 against the Browns.