Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Bhayshul Tuten

Friday, January 2, 10:50 AM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been a productive player across 12 games this season, recording 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. However, the 25-year-old has been in-and-out of his team's lineup in recent weeks, missing Week 15 with a groin injury and Week 17 with an illness. In his absence, Rodriguez Jr. may have had his role in the Washington backfield usurped by rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Over the last three weeks, Croskey-Merritt has racked up 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries. Rodriguez Jr. is expected to return for Washington's Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he'll likely still see some touches. However, the Commanders may opt to split touches between Rodriguez Jr. and Croskey-Merritt evenly, or ride the hot hand with the rookie.

Friday, January 2, 8:24 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Tuten has missed back-to-back games because of his finger injury, but he is ready to return this weekend. The rookie back figures to resume his role as the primary backup to Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield. The Jaguars can clinch the AFC South title with a win over the Titans this weekend or a loss by the Houston Texans. That means the Jags should play their starters during this regular-season finale. Tuten should see a handful of carries as he returns from injury, but it's unlikely to be enough to warrant streaming him.