Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Wednesday, January 17, 12:53 PM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (hand) had successful surgery on Tuesday to fix a broken bone in his hand, according to head coach Sean McVay. Williams broke a bone in his hand in Sunday night's one-point wild-card loss to the Detroit Lions, but he'll have plenty of time to heal up before the start of the 2024 regular season. The 23-year-old moved into a starting role in LA's backfield in Week 2 of the 2023 campaign after the Rams traded Cam Akers away. Williams had a career year, carrying the ball 228 times for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns while also logging 32 receptions (48 targets) for 206 yards and three more scores in just 12 regular-season games played. He could have more competition for touches in 2024 in the Rams' backfield, but Williams should remain the lead back, which will give him at least high-end RB2 upside in fantasy drafts.

Thursday, December 28, 12:03 PM

The Washington Commanders placed rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Thursday, meaning he will miss the final two games of the 2023 season. Rodriguez injured his right ankle in the Week 16 loss to the New York Jets, but not before carrying the ball 10 times for a season-high 58 yards and his first two rushing touchdowns in the NFL. The 23-year-old rookie saw 20 rushing attempts the last two weeks with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) out of action due to injury. Rodriguez finishes his first season in the NFL with 51 carries for 247 yards (4.84 yards per carry) and two TDs while adding two catches for 12 yards in 13 games played. Robinson returned to practice on Wednesday, meaning he could return to share the backfield with pass-catching specialist Antonio Gibson this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.