Rodriguez had six carries for 43 yards and one catch for five yards but lost a fumble on his seventh and final touch of the day.
A lost fumble at the end of the third quarter spoiled what previously had been the best day of Rodriguez's young career. Taking on an expanded role with Antonio Gibson (toe) inactive for the first time this season, the rookie recorded his first NFL reception and had a personal best of 43 rushing yards. Rodriguez did play three of 25 snaps in the final quarter -- rather than being outright benched -- with Robinson taking 21 and Derrick Gore only one. It's possible Rodriguez remains in the No. 2 role Thursday against Dallas, but only if Gibson misses another game.
Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Likely to get work Sunday
Rotowire
Rodriguez likely will move into the No. 2 running back role this Sunday against the Giants with teammate Antonio Gibson (toe) listed as doubtful, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.
Rodriguez is more of a bruiser and Gibson more of a speed guy and pass catcher, so the adjustment here might involve the former taking some of Brian Robinson's usual snaps while Robinson handles a lot of the passing-down work that usually goes to Gibson. However it shakes out, Robinson remains the best fantasy play by a wide margin, as Rodriguez hasn't gotten any work on offense since taking seven carries for 31 yards in the team's first matchup with the Giants in Week 7.
Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Leading rusher in Sunday's loss
Rotowire
Rodriguez carried the ball seven times for 31 yards in Sunday's 14-7 loss to the Giants.
The Commanders' offense was stagnant for most of the day, so the rookie running back got a chance to add a spark in the second half. Rodriguez wound up leading the team in rushing, but his longest gain went for only nine yards. Despite his modest success, his spot on the depth chart behind Robinson and Antonio Gibson doesn't appear likely to change in Week 8 against a tough Eagles run defense.
Rodriguez took four carries for 23 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Falcons.
After missing the previous two games with an illness, Rodriguez returned and made his largest contribution of the year. Brian Robinson doesn't look to be in imminent danger of losing the starting job, but Rodriguez is at least worth tracking in deeper leagues given that neither Robinson nor Antonio Gibson has done much on the ground this year. The Commanders face the Giants in Week 7.
