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.

Wednesday, September 17, 2:48 PM

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on Injured Reserve but is eligible to return in Week 6 against a vulnerable Bengals defense. The Packers' backfield has leaned heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has accounted for 42 of the team's 55 rushing attempts through two games. That kind of workload will be difficult to sustain, and the lack of usage for reserves Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson--each with just one carry--suggests the coaching staff isn't comfortable leaning on them in meaningful situations. Lloyd's eventual return could provide Green Bay with a much-needed spark, as his speed and big-play ability were evident during the preseason. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Lloyd's progress, as he could quickly carve out a change-of-pace role and potentially spell Jacobs to keep him fresh.