Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Wednesday, October 29, 11:11 AM

Cleveland Browns beat writer Brad Stainbrook speculates that veteran running back Jerome Ford should be one of the players that Cleveland explores moving at the upcoming trade deadline. The 2-6 Browns appear to be in sell mode as they hit their Week 9 bye. Ford is in the final year of his rookie contract with the team and has recorded 149 scrimmage yards on 42 total touches across eight games this season. Furthermore, Cleveland has a pair of exciting rookie running backs in Quinshon Judkins (shoulder) and Dylan Sampson, so Ford is unlikely to factor in the organization's long-term plans. If Ford is traded on or before the November 4 trade deadline, Sampson would likely become the full-time passing-downs back in Cleveland. If the shoulder injury that Judkins suffered in Week 8 causes him to miss time, Sampson could be the Browns' RB1 in Week 10 against the New York Jets.

Friday, October 31, 10:11 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has seen his snap share decline over the past few weeks. After playing at least 25% of the snaps and handling five or more carries in Weeks 3-5, he's logged just 12 snaps and four carries over the past three games. The backfield touches have consolidated around rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt on early downs, with veteran Jeremy McNichols handling pass downs both as a receiver and pass protector. Rodriguez could see more touches in Week 9, but it's a brutal matchup against a Seattle defense that has allowed a league-best 3.3 yards per carry. Rodriguez should be left on waivers for Week 9.