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.

Thursday, November 6, 3:00 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) missed a second consecutive practice on Thursday ahead of the team's matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stevenson missed last week's matchup with the Falcons, which led the way to a breakout performance for TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson is trending in the wrong direction for this week's matchup, making Henderson a must-start this week. Look for the Patriots to mix their rookie back into the passing game to maximize touches for their electric weapon. Stevenson owners should continue to watch injury reports throughout the weekend.