Who Should I Start? Chase Edmonds or Kenneth Gainwell

Monday, September 15, 12:13 PM

Free-agent running back Chase Edmonds, who last played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, is signing a deal to join the Washington Commanders' practice squad, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Edmonds will join a young Washington backfield in 2025 after they just lost Austin Ekeler to a torn Achilles tendon last Thursday night in the loss to the Green Bay Packers. For now, the Commanders will roll with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt as their lead back, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. serving in change-of-pace roles. Rodriguez had a strong training camp and preseason, but he was a healthy scratch in the first two weeks of the regular season. While we wouldn't recommend starting him in Week 3, he's definitely on the radar for a waiver-wire pickup this week, especially if you just lost Ekeler for the year.

Sunday, February 1, 6:17 AM

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, "it seems more likely" that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will sign with a new team during free agency. He had an impressive one-year stint in Pittsburgh, totaling 537 rushing yards, 73 catches, 486 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB16 in full-PPR leagues, which was the best mark of his career. Gainwell's strong campaign in Pittsburgh raised his anticipated market value this offseason. While the Steelers would presumably be open to bringing him back, he's expected to fetch a decent-sized contract in free agency. "The Steelers haven't typically given big contracts to running backs," Pryor writes. She also notes that the vision for the backfield could look different with head coach Mike McCarthy replacing ex-offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the team's play-caller. All signs point to Gainwell playing somewhere else in 2026.