Chris

Rodriguez Jr.

Brian Robinson Jr. didn’t exactly kill it on early downs for the Commanders this season, but second-year pro “C-Rod” failed to apply any workload pressure. His carries declined from 51 as a rookie to 35 as a sophomore. He lost work to journeyman Jeremy McNichols. Going on 26 with three career receptions, Rodriguez isn’t in a commanding 53-man roster spot at the halfway point of his rookie contract.

Jamison Crowder (hamstring) is playing off a questionable tag. Crowder was the only Washington player who was listed as questionable. All players listed are healthy scratches, with Rodriguez losing his role in the backfield as Austin Ekeler returns.

The meager fantasy production comes one week after the veteran back lost two fumbles for the Commanders in a game they would ultimately win over the Eagles. Many assumed the absence of Austin Ekeler would vault Robinson into a workhorse role for the Commanders, but the presence of Chris Rodriguez, who scored in this one, and Jeremy McNichols have proved those predictions false. After locking up a playoff berth and seemingly having nothing left to play for, there is the possibility the Commanders rest key starters in Week 18 against the Cowboys. That could provide more run for Rodriguez, who managed 16 yards on five carries and a score in Week 17.

After rushing 13 times for 94 yards in Week 13 against the Titans, Rodriguez played well behind Brian Robinson in Sunday’s win over the Saints. The second-year back saw just one opportunity on the day and played on just three offensive snaps. Fantasy managers holding him can’t view him as anything more than a handcuff for Week 16’s game against the Eagles.

Rodriguez saw all 13 of his carries come in the second half of the blowout win. Signed to the active roster last week following the injury to Austin Ekeler, Rodriguez ran well ahead of Jeremy McNichols and made the most of his opportunities. He ripped off two big gains of 17 and 25 yards against the vaunted Titans defense, and managed to punch in a seven-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Austin Ekeler isn’t eligible to return until Week 18, when the fantasy season is over for most managers. Rodriguez makes for an interesting stash after Sunday’s performance, but it’s worth noting the Commanders are on a bye next week.

That may as well be a glaring siren that at least one of Austin Ekeler (concussion) and Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) are going to be hard to trust this week. Jeremy McNichols is the only healthy back on the Commanders roster. It’s possible that Rodriguez gets as far up the pecking order as lead committee back this week if both Ekeler and Robinson sit. He’s a potentially worthwhile waiver claim in deeper leagues.

Rodriguez was solid in the win over the Giants in Week 9, but wasn’t involved in the offense in Week 10 against the Steelers with just two carries for four yards. Driskel will be the emergency third quarterback for Thursday’s contest.

Robinson was limited in all three practices last week before being listed as questionable. He was initially expected to play but didn’t get the go-ahead during pre-game warmups. He appeared to be on track for a similar runout this week until the Commanders held him out of Friday’s practice and ruled him out. It’s possible he suffered a setback and almost certain that the Commanders didn’t see his injury playing out this week. Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez each saw 11 carries last week. Ekeler will jump into the RB2 ranks for Week 10 while Rodriguez is a flyer RB4.

Robinson was limited in all three sessions last week. He was expected to suit up as of Sunday morning, but it was clear after pre-game warmups that his hamstring injury didn’t respond as planned. He was ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff. Today’s limited session suggests he didn’t suffer any setbacks, though his status for Week 10 remains ambiguous. Should he miss another week, Austin Ekeler would lead the backfield in touches with Chris Rodriguez taking on some of Robinson’s grinder duties. Both backs saw 11 carries last week.

Rodriguez found himself on a few fantasy rosters last year after an injury to Antonio Gibson opened up some playing time. The 24-year-old enjoyed a solid rookie season, totaling 247 yards on 51 carries (4.8 ypc) with two touchdowns; however, with the Commanders hiring a new coaching staff and bringing in Austin Ekeler in the off-season, there seems to be no place for Rodriguez in Washington anymore. He should likely get a chance with another team.