The Commanders selected Rodriguez in the sixth round of the NFL Draft from Kentucky, and he will be a reserve if he makes the team. He's not worth drafting in most redraft leagues, and he's only worth a late-round flier in rookie-only drafts for Dynasty formats. Washington has Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson ahead of Rodriguez on the depth chart, and he would likely need an injury to get playing time. At Kentucky, Rodriguez had 175 carries for 904 yards and six touchdowns in eight games in 2022, and he had 225 carries for 1,378 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games in 2021. If he does get the chance for consistent playing time, you can add Rodriguez off the waiver wire during the season.
Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Limited by illness Wednesday
Rotowire
Rodriguez (illness) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
Selected 193rd overall in this year's NFL Draft, Rodriguez has played six offensive snaps through his first three games, seeing another 54 snaps on special teams. He's rushed three times for seven scoreless yards. Derrick Gore is on the Commanders' practice squad should Rodriguez not be able to play in Week 4.
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Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Gets three carries in debut
Rotowire
Rodriguez took three carries for seven yards in Sunday's 20-16 win over Arizona.
The rookie sixth-round pick got a carry on each of his three snaps, working as a distant No. 3 back in terms of playing time but finishing with only one fewer touch than Antonio Gibson, who lost a fumble early and managed only 19 total yards. Starter Brian Robinson also didn't have a great day, averaging 3.1 YPC on his 19 carries, albeit with a receiving TD and the silver lining of a 61 percent snap share. Rodriguez isn't likely to see much work in Week 2 at Denver but should be kept in mind for the future in case Robinson and Gibson don't stay healthy or productive.
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Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Gets spot on roster
Rotowire
Rodriguez has a spot on Washington's initial 53-man roster, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
The sixth-round rookie out of Kentucky is one of three running backs, behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson. While he can't match Gibson's speed and receiving skills, the 224-pound Rodriguez might be able to do a reasonable impression of Robinson in the trenches if tasked with filling in for him this year. Rodriguez had seven carries for 52 yards in Washington's final preseason game to lock down a roster spot ahead of Jonathan Williams (undisclosed) and Jaret Patterson.
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Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Makes case for roster spot
Rotowire
Rodriguez took seven carries for 52 yards in Saturday's 21-19 preseason win over Cincinnatti.
With Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson rested for the final preseason games, Rodriguez got the start and had a couple big runs early. He seems to be in line for the No. 3 RB job, though third-year pro Jaret Patterson also had a nice night (eight carries for 51) and 29-year-old Jonathan Williams would probably offer more on special teams. Rodriguez, a rookie sixth-round pick, is probably the best fit if the goal is to provide power-running depth behind Robinson.
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Commanders' Chris Rodriguez: Adding power to D.C. backfield
Rotowire
The Commanders selected Rodriguez in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 193rd overall.
A six-foot, 217-pound running back, Rodriguez profiles as a short-yardage bruiser. He filled that role well with Kentucky, as he piled up 32 total touchdowns in four seasons. Rodriguez possesses a similar profile to that of Brian Robinson, so it's not immediately apparent what role he'll occupy for the Commanders.
