The Washington Commanders are officially ready to take the field for the 2025 NFL season.
Only one question before they take on the New York Giants on Sunday in Week 1: Who’s the starting running back?
It’s easier asked than answered.
The Commanders have a lot of depth, including Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols.
Fantasy football players definitely want to know who’s going to get the touches, because the Giants can be vulnerable against the run.
Here’s what we know:
Who is the Commanders’ starting running back?
The Washington Commanders have made no official announcements on a starting RB.
All we have is their depth chart from this week:
- Austin Ekeler
- Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Jeremy McNichols
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
There hasn’t been a ton of clarity on JCM since this unofficial depth chart was unveiled. Many expect it to misrepresent his chances of playing.
The Commanders sat Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt in their final preseason game, but not the other two, which would suggest the rookie and Ekeler are the top dogs here.
But until the inactive report rules out one of the RBs above JCM on the depth chart there, it’ll be hard to trust any of them.
Ekeler appears safe, especially in PPR fantasy formats. But anyone else is a serious risk (albeit one that could be worth it if things break just right).
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