Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is likely headed for the No. 3 role in the backfield behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler after the team passed on selecting another RB in this year's NFL draft. Rodriguez is the clear early-down backup to Robinson, whether that means five to 10 touches from scrimmage per game or a lower figure. However, he could have a bigger role on special teams if the Commanders view him as part of what looks like a trend of teams seeking bigger-bodied kick returners given the new league rules on kickoffs. The 23-year-old doesn't have a path to any kind of real fantasy value in 2024 unless one of Robinson or Ekeler go down with an injury. In his rookie campaign in 2023, Rodriguez had 51 carries for 247 yards and two touchdowns while catching two passes for 12 yards in 13 regular-season games.
Commanders Put Chris Rodriguez Jr. On Injured Reserve
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.
Washington Commanders rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ankle) was unable to practice with the team on Wednesday. Rodriguez injured his ankle in the Week 16 loss to the New York Jets and was wearing a walking boot after Sunday's game, so there's a real chance he won't be available to Washington in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 23-year-old had a bigger workload with Brian Robinson Jr. out for the second straight game on Christmas Eve, and he responded by delivering 58 yards and two rushing scores on 10 rushing attempts for the second straight week. Even if Rodriguez returns to practice later this week and is able to play this Sunday, he might be back to third string if Robinson is able to make his return. The rookie RB won't have any fantasy appeal if B-Rob is active.
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ankle) will go for an MRI on Tuesday after injuring his ankle during his two-touchdown breakout game against the New York Jets in Week 16. Rodriguez's right foot was seen in a walking boot after the game, so the results of Tuesday's MRI hopefully able to shed some light on what is ailing him. Starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) has missed the past two games, so Rodriguez's injury could leave Antonio Gibson as the team's lead back in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. Stay tuned.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Scores Two Touchdowns Against Jets
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had 10 carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns along with one reception for seven yards during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. With starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for the second week in a row, Rodriguez ended up leading Washington's backfield in Week 16. In addition to his efficient running, the rookie also scored his first career touchdown in the second quarter while scoring another during the fourth quarter. If Robinson doesn't return next week, Rodriguez could be in play as a decent start against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.
After seeing some unexpected usage in Week 15, Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be in line for more touches in Week 16. With starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for the second week in a row, the rookie could see some valuable touches. This week, the Commanders are taking on the New York Jets. This season, the Jets have allowed the ninth most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, making this an advantageous spot for Washington's ground game. If Rodriguez can see some solid work like he did last week, he could be a sneaky play for desperate teams in deep leagues.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Leads Washington In Rushing Against Rams
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had 10 carries for 35 yards during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite all the hype for fellow running back Antonio Gibson, it was Rodriguez who ended up handling the lion's share of Washington's carries in Week 15. It wasn't an impressive outing for the rookie, but this performance shows where the backfield is at when starter Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) misses time. If Robinson is good to go in Week 16, then Rodriguez will likely return to his usual workload. However, he could be an interesting player to stash as a handcuff for the late season.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. A Last-Ditch Streaming Play In Week 15
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be in play as a last-ditch streamer this week. With starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out, the rookie could see more carries than usual. In Week 15, the Commanders will head out on the road to take on the Los Angeles Rams. Although that isn't the best matchup in the world, Rodriguez may fall into the end zone with a higher opportunity share. Fellow running back Antonio Gibson will probably assume most of the work, but the rookie could provide value for managers in a pinch with increased usage. Consider him in only the most desperate of situations in Week 15.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Tallies Career-High In Yards, Fumbles Against New York
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 43 yards on six attempts and caught one pass for five yards in the team's 31-19 loss to the New York Giants. He also lost a fumble, which was one of six turnovers for Washington on Sunday. The rookie was filling in as the backup running back for the injured Antonio Gibson (toe). That allowed him to tie his career-high in touches and break his personal best rushing yards mark. This backfield still belongs to Brian Robinson Jr. and any other running back is simply a complimentary piece. Even if Gibson were to miss Thursday's tilt against Dallas, Rodriguez won't be on fantasy radars due to limited opportunities and a tough matchup on the road.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. A Name To Monitor Against Philadelphia
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could be a name to watch during Week 8. After seeing little usage for the first six weeks of the season, the rookie ended up splitting carries with fellow back Brian Robinson Jr. while also leading Washington in rushing during Week 7. With the Commanders taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, one thing to monitor is if Rodriguez maintains his role or if he sees an even larger share. With no teams on bye, there are likely few rosters in need of the rookie's services. However, he could be an interesting player to hold over the weekend as an upside stash.
