Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Cam Skattebo

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.

Monday, January 5, 12:48 PM

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) said he is hoping to be back healthy by training camp as the long-term goal, according to Evan Barnes of Newsday. There is no rush for Skattebo to be back for organized team activities in the spring. "I'm juiced to see what this franchise can be within the next five years," Skattebo said. The 23-year-old from Arizona State took over the Giants' backfield by midseason, but his rookie campaign came to an end when he dislocated his right ankle in Week 8. The bruising back ran for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries while also catching 24 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver in eight games. Long term, Skattebo figures to be New York's lead back, but his fantasy value in 2026 will depend on how his recovery goes and whether he'll be ready for the start of the regular season in the fall.