Who Should I Start? Bhayshul Tuten or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Thursday, October 9, 12:23 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the team. After being limited in practice all last week, Tuten begins the Week 6 practice week with the same tag. He played in Monday night's win over the Chiefs, handling four rushes for only six yards and catching his lone target for five yards. The team may be keeping the rookie fresh during the week with the shoulder issue. Tuten will remain the primary backup to Travis Etienne Jr. for the time being and ranks as a low-end flex play for Week 6, assuming he is good to go.

Friday, October 10, 7:32 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke out with his best game of the season in Week 5 against the Chargers, totaling 150 yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches. The Croskey-Merritt takeover finally happened in Week 5, posting a season-high 50.9% snap share, handling 50% of the team's rush attempts, and running 31.3% of the team's routes. All marks were the highest of any Washington back in Week 5, and he delivered with a remarkable performance. For the season, he's rushed 283 yards and four touchdowns on 43 carries, averaging a league-best 6.6 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury provided some reason to keep the optimism in check, saying that the rookie still has "ways to go" in terms of playing without the ball in his hands. His work in pass protection has improved, but that is still an area where veteran Jeremy McNichols is most trusted. Third-year back Chris Rodriguez Jr. saw his lowest snap count and fewest carries in a game since becoming active in Week 5, suggesting he may be slipping back into a depth role. Croskey-Merritt should be expected to handle the bulk of the touches again in Week 6 against a Bears defense that is allowing an absurd 6.1 yards per carry and the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs. He should be fired up as a high-upside RB2 on Monday night.