Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tank Bigsby

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.

Saturday, September 13, 12:49 AM

The Philadelphia Eagles just traded for Tank Bigsby on Monday, and the former Jaguar is currently listed as the third running back on the depth chart. He was far outpaced by Travis Etienne Jr. in Jacksonville's first game, and was splitting touches with Bhayshul Tuten as well. Bigsby only managed 12 yards on five carries against the Panthers in Week 1, which clearly didn't impress the Jaguars front office enough to keep him on the roster. Eagles backup RB Will Shipley (rib) is officially out for the upcoming contest against Kansas City, clearing the runway a bit for Bigsby, but probably not enough for any real fantasy production. Shipley and AJ Dillon combined for 13 snaps on offense against Dallas last week, while Saquon Barkley totaled 50. With a star like Barkley ahead of him, Bigsby should not be considered for lineups in Week 2.