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.

Monday, September 15, 11:43 AM

While Kenneth Gainwell outsnapped teammate Jaylen Warren in Week 1 (30-25), the roles reversed in Week 2 with the latter leading the duo 36-26. Despite less time on the field, the 26-year-old picked up five targets -- again besting his backfield mate in that category. Warren still out-gained him in totality -- and handily, 134-36 -- but there's still a lot to like about his usage. For starters, the Steelers are throwing the ball at one of the league's highest rates (63.7%), and Gainwell still holds the edge over rookie Kaleb Johnson in the pecking order. Johnson should take over in due time, but while he's still adjusting to the pros, Gainwell carries value as the handcuff to own.