Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tyrone Tracy Jr.

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, November 1, 3:29 PM

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is in line to serve as the team's lead back in Week 9 with rookie Cam Skattebo (ankle) sidelined for the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old began the season as the Giants' starter, but ended up missing two games due to a shoulder injury, which opened the door for Skattebo. Now, Tracy and veteran Devin Singletary are expected to see the majority of the snaps moving forward. Tracy hasn't been overly efficient with his touches in six games this season, handling 45 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 catches for 68 yards on 16 targets. The New York offense looks much more exciting with rookie Jaxson Dart at the helm, although they are lacking legitimate pass-catching threats at the moment. Tracy ranks as RotoBaller's RB17 for the Giants' Week 9 matchup at home against the San Francisco Giants.