Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Rachaad White

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.

Tuesday, October 7, 9:23 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White took full advantage of his opportunity to be the team's RB1 in Week 5 with Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) sidelined by injury. White recorded 71 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 18 total touches, and has now logged 213 yards from scrimmage and three scores on 49 total touches for the season. With Irving's status in doubt for Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, White looks poised for another week with a significant workload. The 26-year-old is a must-start running back in Week 6 and has a good chance to maintain that status for as long as Irving is unable to play.