Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Kaleb Johnson

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.

Saturday, September 27, 9:12 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that he is "pleased" with running back Kaleb Johnson's progress, and he believes the rookie has "positioned himself to be a contributor" this week against the Minnesota Vikings. He acknowledged that Johnson has had to earn his way back into the offense after a costly special teams miscue back in Week 2. The 22-year-old had just two carries through his first two games before being a healthy scratch last weekend. It sounds like he'll play this Sunday, but his exact role remains up in the air. He should continue to be stashed on the bench in redraft leagues with at least 14 teams, as well as all dynasty formats.