Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Omarion Hampton

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 3, 5:34 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that he doesn't think the team will open the 21-day practice window for rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) until after their Week 12 bye, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The 22-year-old rookie is eligible to return to practice this week as the club prepares to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, but Hampton will not be on the practice field and isn't going to be eligible to return to action until Week 13 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 30. Fantasy managers must continue to be patient and keep Hampton stashed, as he should take over RB1 duties in the backfield again when he's healthy. In the meantime, Kimani Vidal will continue to see most of the backfield touches for the Bolts, making him at least an RB3/flex option until Hampton is cleared to return from Injured Reserve.