Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tyjae Spears

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.

Monday, October 6, 9:09 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears made his return in Week 5 from a high ankle that kept him out for the first four games of the season. Spears saw limited usage in his first game back, playing 17 total snaps and recording four carries for 14 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Titans head coach Brian Callahan said Spears' role will increase in future weeks, per Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. The 24-year-old recorded 536 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 114 total touches across 12 games last season. Spears and Titans back Tony Pollard will split backfield work to some degree once Spears is fully healthy and re-integrated into the offense. For now, Spears should be rostered by fantasy managers, but likely cannot be trusted as a starter in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.