Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tahj Brooks

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, December 31, 12:58 AM

Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Tahj Brooks has totalled just 45 yards on 16 carries to go with one catch for nine yards on two targets in 15 games this season. Brooks has been firmly entrenched as the Bengals' RB3 behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine for his entire rookie campaign, relegating him mostly to special teams duties. The rookie sixth-rounder has cracked a double-digit snap share in just four games this season. However, seven of his 16 carries have come in the past two games, with the Bengals eliminated from playoff contention. With Brown posting big numbers in recent weeks and Perine continuing to be a reliable veteran on passing downs, it will be tough for Brooks to see many more opportunities in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cleveland Browns.