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.

Wednesday, November 26, 7:21 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) said he was dealing with a fractured ankle, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Hampton also said he feels "amazing" and is hoping to be a full-go once he's activated from Injured Reserve. The 22-year-old Ohio State product fractured his ankle in Week 5 and has been out since, but he returned to a limited practice on Wednesday and has a shot to play this Sunday versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman hinted this week that Hampton could be in a timeshare with Kimani Vidal upon his return, which somewhat clouds his fantasy value upon his return. Hampton showed just before his ankle fracture that he's capable of RB1 upside with a heavy workload, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations initially if L.A. looks to ease him back into the fold.