Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or MarShawn Lloyd

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.

Monday, November 17, 1:09 PM

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) appears to be ramping up his rehab, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported last week. Lloyd has not returned to practice with the rest of the team yet, but he was seen working up a sweat on a side field last week. The Packers could really use Lloyd right now after Josh Jacobs suffered a knee injury in Sunday's win that could keep him from playing in Week 12 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old Lloyd remains on Injured Reserve, though, and has played in one game for the Packers due to injuries since he was taken in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. Green Bay is still holding out hope that he can contribute later this year, but it remains to be seen if that will actually happen. If Jacobs misses any time, Emanuel Wilson should operate as the team's clear lead back.