Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Austin Ekeler

Wednesday, November 19, 2:34 PM

The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Brandin Cooks on Wednesday, giving the veteran a chance to land elsewhere. The 32-year-old pass catcher has recorded just 19 receptions this season for 165 yards despite appearing in every game. The departure of Cooks opens the door for Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton to see expanded roles behind Chris Olave in the Saints' wide receiver room. Vele grabbed an 87% snap share last week, despite converting just one of three targets for 15 yards. Look for the Saints to heavily lean on Olave and running back Alvin Kamara as rookie quarterback Tyler Shough builds his confidence in just his third career start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons

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.