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.

Thursday, October 23, 12:57 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said last week that running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring), who has been on Injured Reserve for the first seven weeks, was getting closer to practicing. However, the team still has not designated Lloyd to return from IR, and he has not resumed practicing with the team as they prepare this week for a Sunday night battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. Perhaps Lloyd will have his 21-day practice window opened next week, but even then, he wouldn't be a lock to make his 2025 debut in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. There have been rumors that the Packers are making calls ahead of the trade deadline on RBs, so maybe Lloyd isn't as close to a return as the Packers are leading on. The former third-rounder has been a major bust for the Packers so far due to injuries, playing in just one game since the start of last year.