Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Jaylen Wright

Saturday, August 23, 11:19 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 34 yards on five carries in the final preseason game against the Ravens. Rodriguez started the game and consistently picked up big chunks of yards. The 24-year-old finished the preseason averaging nearly seven yards per carry, with 17 rushes for 118 yards. Rodriguez fits the role of a hammer and short-yardage back that can get the tough yards, but also had gaudy production in the SEC at Kentucky. He averaged over 100 rushing yards per game in both of his last two seasons. Additionally, he's showing improved burst and explosiveness in camp this year, saying that he's already hit 20 MPH more times this year than all of last year, according to Hayley Salvatore of Commanders.com. Brian Robinson is now officially dealt to San Francisco, and Rodriguez is set to be in the mix for early down touches in the Washington backfield. Touchdowns will be the path to fantasy value for Rodriguez in what could be a murky backfield.

Thursday, August 28, 12:05 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (leg) had surgery on his injured leg and could be back "Septemberish," according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Wright is not out for the entire season, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The 22-year-old is expected to miss multiple week, although an exact timetable is not known. With De'Von Achane (calf) also battling a nagging calf injury that could put him up in the air for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, it's possible that rookie Ollie Gordon II could serve as Miami's primary ball-carrier to open the 2025 regular season. Achane and Wright should still be drafted in all fantasy formats, but these injuries have also made Gordon much more intriguing as a late-round flier, especially as a handcuff to Achane. Wright has not gone on Injured Reserve, which means Miami thinks he can return within the first four weeks of the season.