Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Raheem Mostert

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.

Sunday, January 4, 4:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Mostert finishes the season having missed two consecutive games. In his absence, Zamir White and Dylan Laube should earn more snaps as the No. 2 running back behind Ashton Jeanty. This game is meaningless for both the Raiders, who have already secured the No. 1 pick in the draft, and the Chiefs, who were previously eliminated from playoff contention. We could see this Kenny Pickett-led offense get creative with personnel on Sunday, but Jeanty is the only Vegas running back who can be started with confidence in fantasy football.