Chris

Rodriguez

‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt and restricted free agent Chris Rodriguez would stand to gain fantasy value if the Commanders focused on a more run-focused approach, as they seem like a team that has limited resources to dedicate to the running back position this offseason. It’s hard to speculate on who the Commanders could bring in to install a scheme that’s akin to what Quinn desires just based on the idea of more run-pass balance, but the search to replace Kliff Kingsbury looks destined to bring in someone with a more buttoned-up run game.

Rodriguez was active in the Commanders’ backfield after Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2. He split time as the team’s downhill rusher with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, seeing double-digit carries in 7-of-13 games played. He ran 112 times for exactly 500 yards and six touchdowns, adding just three receptions for 30 yards. With Brian Robinson traded before the season and Ekeler out, Rodriguez tallied career-high numbers across the board. Week 11 was his highest yardage total on the ground, gaining 79 yards on 15 carries against the Dolphins. Rodriguez is a career backup and presumably will take a backseat to Croskey-Merritt’s development moving forward. He will be a restricted free agent for 2026 and will likely be a depth piece for fantasy purposes, depending on the situation Rodriguez lands in.

Rodriguez was a late addition to the injury report last week because of an illness. The team ultimately ruled him out ahead of kickoff, allowing Jacory Croskey-Merritt to handle the bulk of the carries. He ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. JCM is now on the injury report because of an illness, putting his availability for Week 18 at risk. Rodriguez would operate as the lead back if JCM doesn’t suit up.

Rodriguez was a late add to the injury report with an illness and is now officially inactive for the Commanders’ Christmas afternoon game against the Cowboys. Jacory Croskey-Merrit is an RB3 with Rodriguez out. The Commanders also declared QB Jayden Daniels, QB Marcus Mariota, QB Sam Hartman, LT Laremy Tunsil, LB Nick Bellore, and DT Daron Payne out against the Cowboys. Payne did not practice all week with a back issue. Jeff Driskel is Josh Johnson’s backup while Sam Hartman is the emergency third quarterback for Week 17.

Rodriguez is a late Christmas morning add to the Commanders’ injury report with an illness. Players tend to play through “illness” listings on the report, but it is notable that Rodriguez was added just a few hours before his team’s Week 17 matchup against the Cowboys. If he cannot go, Jacory Croskey-Merritt has RB3 upside against a weaker Cowboys defense.

Rodriguez returned after missing Week 15 against the Giants with a groin injury, and he was clearly the bellcow with Jacory Croskey-Merritt getting only eight attempts behind the former Kentucky tailback. His touchdown was in garbage time, but still counts, and he was relatively effective with his touches. Rodriguez is a RB2 for Christmas against the Cowboys in Week 17.

He got in full sessions all week and should be a usable-if-unexciting FLEX play as Washington’s lead back against Philadelphia, in a game they are expected to trail in. The silver lining is that Jalen Carter (shoulders) was ruled out, so it should be easier sledding inside at least for Rodriguez. “Bill” Croskey-Merritt will likely revert to a backup role in Week 16.

Rodriguez missed the Commanders’ Week 15 game against the Giants after going DNP-limited-limited in practice with the groin injury last week. Starting out the week as a full participant bodes well for his return. Rodriguez likely cuts back into Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s workload in his return, demoting both to RB3 fantasy plays at best in Week 16 against the Eagles.

Rodriguez was a game-time decision with his groin injury, and the Commanders have decided to not have the tailback go after testing the injury in pre-game. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will get the touches with Rodriguez unavailable.

Rodriguez missed practice Wednesday before getting in two limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. He’s a game-time decision, according to Schefter. Rodriguez will test his groin pre-game to see if he can play. If active, he’s somewhat of a risky play in a great matchup against the Giants. Even when Rodriguez is 100 percent, he splits backfield touches with Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see his touches scaled back given his condition. If Rodriguez is ruled out, Croskey-Merritt is a plug-and-play option in a fantastic matchup against the incredibly weak Giants run defense.