Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Rhamondre Stevenson

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, November 23, 11:36 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is officially active for Sunday's Week 12 contest against the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson will return to the Patriots' backfield after a three-game absence due to a toe injury. With the 27-year-old out, rookie TreVeyon Henderson thrived in the team's lead-back role, scoring five total touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) while also averaging 88 rushing yards per game. New England has been non-committal on what Stevenson's role will be upon his return. Before getting hurt, Stevenson was operating as the RB1 and had 83 carries for 279 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while adding 169 receiving yards. However, after Henderson's strong performances the last three weeks, Stevenson will likely see his role reduced. Treat him as more of a shaky RB3/flex in his return this weekend.