Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Miles Sanders

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, October 10, 5:02 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) has been moved to season-ending injured reserve, according to Patrick Walker of the Dallas Cowboys. Sanders was limited in practice on Wednesday before missing Thursday's practice, but now his season is over as he deals with multiple injuries to his ankle and knee. The 28-year-old served as the primary backup running back to Javonte Williams over the first four games of the season before missing Week 5. Rookie Jaydon Blue was active in his place and should step into a larger role now with Sanders out. Blue shouldn't be in lineups for Week 6, but he is an interesting speculative pickup ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers.