Who Should I Start? Rachaad White or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Sunday, October 12, 11:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White has really stepped up in the team's lead-back role the last two weeks with Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) nursing multiple injuries. In the 30-19 win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 6, White stayed productive with a team-leading 17 rushing attempts for 65 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches on three targets for 21 additional yards. The 26-year-old hasn't been all that productive with his touches the last two weeks since seeing an expanded role in the backfield, but he has delivered for fantasy managers with a nose for the end zone, scoring three total times in the last two games with Irving out. It's unclear if Irving will return in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, but if he misses a third straight game, White will maintain his plug-and-play RB2 status in fantasy.

Friday, October 17, 9:53 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. played only one snap in Week 6 against the Bears after missing practice all week with a calf injury. Rodriguez is now off the injury report heading into Sunday and should be expected to play a bigger role. He did, however, drift back into a depth role in Week 5 against the Chargers. He played only four snaps in the first three quarters while rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled the bulk of the touches. All five of Rodriguez's carries in that game came in the fourth quarter when Washington was leading by two scores. Croskey-Merritt will likely lead the backfield again, leaving Rodriguez with only a handful of touches against a Dallas defense that has been repeatedly gashed by opposing running backs. He's safe to leave on waivers for Week 7.