Chris Rodriguez Jr. Injury News & Updates

Rodriguez carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's 16-13 overtime loss to the Dolphins.

The third-year RB took the lead in the Washington backfield, getting 16 touches to Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 10 and out-gaining the rookie 85 scrimmage yards to 33. The workload and yardage total were also season highs for Rodriguez, and he's making a solid case to break out of the Commanders' committee and take over the clear No. 1 job on the other side of the team's Week 12 bye. Rodriguez has already set new career highs with 60 carries for 279 rushing yards and three TDs through nine games.

Rodriguez (shoulder) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Rodriguez was forced out of Washington's loss to the Lions in Week 10 early due to a shoulder injury, but he already appears back to full health as the Commanders prepare to face off against the Dolphins in Madrid on Sunday. Prior to departing versus Detroit, Rodriguez rushed six times for 16 yards and one touchdown. Barring any setbacks, expect Rodriguez to again split backfield opportunities with Jacory Croskey-Merritt versus Miami.

Rodriguez hurt his shoulder during Sunday's game versus the Lions.

Rodriguez jogged to the locker room in the second half and eventually was termed questionable to return. If he stays off the field, he'll end Week 10 action with six carries for 16 yards and one touchdown and no targets. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols are the healthy and available running backs on the Commanders' active roster.

Rodriguez recorded 12 rushes for 65 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Seahawks.

Rodriguez's final line was aided by garbage time, as he found the end zone and picked up 38 yards in the final eight minutes of game time. However, his role in the Washington offense is still noteworthy, as he was out-touched only 13-12 by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a split that was only mildly skewed by opportunity late in the game. While Rodriguez isn't likely to take over lead-back duties in Week 10 against the Lions, it appears he may be in line for an increased role.

Rodriguez carried once for two yards while playing two of the Commanders' 53 snaps on offense in Monday's 28-7 loss to the Chiefs.

Rodriguez has now played single-digit snaps in three straight games, all of which were Commanders losses. As an early-down specialist, Rodriguez will likely have a role in grinding out the clock when the Commanders are sitting on a lead, but he's been almost entirely phased out of the game plan while Washington has been in tight games or has faced large deficits over the past three weeks.

Rodriguez rushed three times for 12 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 44-22 loss to the Cowboys.

The 25-year-old from Kentucky played a depth role in the Commanders' backfield again in the Week 7 loss, playing behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt (13 carries for 33 yards) and Jeremy McNichols (two carries for 22 yards). However, Rodriguez was the only running back to find the endzone, receiving a goal-line carry in the third quarter. He's now rushed 26 times for 117 yards and one touchdown through five appearances this season. Expect Rodriguez to play a reserve role in Washington's backfield again in Week 8, when the team travels to Kansas City.

Rodriguez (calf) practiced fully Friday and doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at Dallas, Commanders writer Ben Standig reports.

Rodriguez practiced for the first time since Week 5 prep as he tended to a calf injury the last two weeks. Friday's uncapped session likely indicates that he's close to 100 percent, but it's unclear if he'll be able to carve out much of a role behind starter Jacory Croskey-Merritt and complementary option Jeremy McNichols in the Commanders backfield this weekend. Rodriguez logged just one offensive snap during Monday's loss to the Bears, failing to see a touch for the first time in his four appearances this season.

Rodriguez (calf) is participating in practice Friday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Rodriguez had been a non-participant in Washington's previous five practices, so this is a step in the right direction, though it remains to be seen if he'll be listed as a full participant or limited participant Friday. He was active for Monday's loss to the Bears but logged only one snap, opening up more opportunities for Jeremy McNichols alongside Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Rodriguez (calf) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Rodriguez hasn't logged any on-field work for five consecutive potential practices due to a lingering calf injury, but he still suited up this past Monday against the Bears and managed one offensive snap and three on special teams. With Jacory Croskey-Merritt leading the way and Jeremy McNichols filling in behind him, Rodriguez isn't a big part of the Commanders backfield at the moment, and it remains to be seen if he'll take on more work once he's back to full health.

Rodriguez (calf) missed Wednesday's jog-through.

Rodriguez has been listed as a DNP on four straight injury reports due to a calf injury, but he logged one snap on offense and three on special teams during Monday's loss to the Bears. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (66 percent snap share) and Jeremy McNichols (32 percent) ultimately handled the rest of the backfield reps and likely will continue to do so moving forward, even when Rodriguez's health is back to normal.

Rodriguez didn't touch the ball on one offensive snap in Monday night's loss to the Bears.

Rodriguez had played between 15 and 22 offensive snaps in each of the previous three games since Austin Ekeler's season-ending torn Achilles suffered in Week 2. Against Chicago, however, the Commanders simplified their backfield with Jacory Croskey-Merritt handling early-down duties and Jeremy McNichols as the clear pass-catching back. Rodriguez carries extremely minimal fantasy value at the moment.

Rodriguez (calf) is active for Monday's game against the Bears.

Despite not practicing in any capacity due to a calf injury in advance of this contest, Rodriguez will be available to the Commanders offense, but in what role remains to be seen. Washington didn't elevate a running back from the practice squad Monday, instead opting to bring up two wide receivers to support a banged-up group, so Rodriguez seemingly has a good chance to mix into the backfield behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt along with Jeremy McNichols. In three prior outings with that trio available, Rodriguez racked up 23 carries for 105 yards and no touchdowns.

Rodriguez (calf) is listed as questionable for Monday's game versus the Bears.

Rodriguez officially was listed as a DNP on all three of the Commanders' Week 6 practice reports due to a calf injury, but the team still is giving him a chance to suit up Monday. Even if he's available, though, he'll be a complementary option at best along with Jeremy McNichols behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Such a role has amounted to 23 carries for 105 yards and no touchdowns and zero targets in three contests this season.

Rodriguez (calf) is listed as a non-participant on Friday's practice estimate.

Rodriguez didn't practice Thursday and apparently wouldn't have partaken Friday if the Commanders had held a practice. A return Saturday could still give him a shot to play Monday against the Bears, though all signs point to Jacory Croskey-Merritt leading Washington's backfield this week.

Rodriguez (calf) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Rodriguez still has two chances to raise his practice participation level before Washington reveals its Week 6 injury report for Monday's game against the Bears. If Rodriguez doesn't play against Chicago, that could open up more opportunities for Jeremy McNichols to work in a change-of-pace role behind lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Rodriguez took five carries for seven yards and was not targeted as a receiver in Sunday's 27-10 win over the Chargers.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (14-111-2) stole the show on offense in Sunday's victory, leaving nothing but scraps for the rest of Washington's backfield committee. Rodriguez still finished second in running back touches ahead of Jeremy McNichols (1-6-0), but neither backup made a fantasy impact behind Croskey-Merritt's huge performance. With his teammate breaking out in impressive fashion, Rodriguez should remain waiver-wire fodder in Week 6 against the Bears.

Rodriguez carried the ball seven times for 59 yards in Sunday's 34-27 loss to the Falcons.

Most of his damage came on a 48-yard carry on the final play of the first quarter, but it was enough to lead the Commanders' backfield in rushing yards. Rodriguez watched rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt led all Washington backs in touches with nine, while Deebo Samuel also got three carries and Jeremy McNichols handled three touches, as the entire committee produced 6.7 yards per carry -- a situation that leaves none of those RBs as reliable fantasy plays without a consistent path to more volume. Rodriguez may need a TD to make a splash in Week 5 against the Chargers.

Rodriguez took 11 carries for 39 yards in Sunday's 41-24 win over the Raiders.

A healthy scratch the previous two weeks, Rodriguez jumped right into the starting lineup in Washington's first game since Austin Ekeler suffered an Achilles' tear. Rodriguez played every snap on the first two drives, taking five carries for 29 yards in the process, before giving way to Jacory Croskey-Merritt for the third and fourth series. Jeremy McNichols then subbed in and broke off a 60-yard touchdown, and it wasn't until the fourth quarter that Rodriguez got carries again. When all was said and done, Rodriguez played 39 percent of Washington's snaps on offense, tied with Croskey-Merritt and ahead of McNichols (26 percent). Rodriguez also had the most carries, though not quite a majority, and he finished without a target. The Commanders likely will deploy a three-man backfield again when they travel to Atlanta in Week 4.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Packers.

Rodriguez will be a healthy scratch for a second straight week while the Commanders roll with a three-man backfield of Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Rodriguez's next opportunity to play is Week 3 against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 21, though he likely won't play unless that contest unless Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt or McNichols were to miss time.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Rodriguez thus is the odd man out in a Commanders backfield that will be playing without Brian Robinson following his trade to the 49ers on Aug. 22. Instead, some combination of Austin Ekeler, rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will be Washington's available running backs Sunday. Rodriguez's next chance to suit up will be Thursday at Green Bay.

Rodriguez started Saturday's 30-3 preseason loss to Baltimore and took five carries for 34 yards.

All five carries came on the opening drive, after which Jeremy McNichols came on. Rodriguez played well again, after ripping off a 40-yard gain the week before, but it's perhaps not the best sign for his Week 1 role that he was playing at all (while both Austin Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt were rested). There's been much speculation about the nature of Washington's likely backfield committee, with Brian Robinson recently traded to San Francisco after averaging 13.4 carries and 1.8 targets across 36.1 snaps in 14 regular-season games last year (958 total yards and eight TDs). Most of the fantasy interest centers on Ekeler and Croskey-Merritt, with Rodriguez potentially playing a spoiler role by handling some of the power running. Coach Dan Quinn was asked Thursday about Rodriguez handling short-yardage work and acknowledged the possibility, although Quinn also cautioned against assuming traditional backfield roles.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Thursday that Rodriguez could be the team's goal-line back, although Quinn also commented that the team won't necessarily have traditional backfield roles, Commanders writer Ben Standig reports.

With Brian Robinson reportedly on the trade block and perhaps even at risk of being released, there's been a lot of recent discussion about what Washington's backfield might look like. Austin Ekeler is the safest bet for snaps and touches, but he's unlikely to handle a huge workload, leaving for Rodriguez, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and/or Jeremy McNichols to get involved. Most of the fantasy discussion has centered on Croskey-Merritt this summer, but Rodriguez got the start alongside QB Jayden Daniels in Washington's second preseason game and promptly broke off a 40-yard run on the opening drive. Croskey-Merritt then came on for the second series, while Ekeler was held out and McNichols played later on. A three-way committee between Ekeler, Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt is the most likely outcome for Week 1 against the Giants, regardless of various judgements and opinions on how things might play out from there. Rodriguez is worthy of a fantasy bench spot in most leagues while we wait to see just how things play

Rodriguez started Monday's preseason loss to the Bengals and took six carries for 62 yards before exiting the game.

He got all of his carries on the first and third drives, with the highlight being a 40-yard gain on Washington's second snap of the game to set up a Jayden Daniels rushing TD on Daniels' lone drive of the game. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who started over Rodriguez the week before, came in for the second drive and scored a 27-yard TD on his second carry. Croskey-Merritt played until the end of the third quarter, while Rodriguez took his final carry early in the second. The two may be competing for a significant Week 1 role, with multiple recent reports suggesting Brian Robinson is being shopped. The Commanders held both Robinson and Austin Ekeler out Monday, leaving Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols as the top three RBs.

Rodriguez was tendered a contract by the Commanders on Friday.

Rodriguez will remain with the Commanders after entering the offseason as an exclusive-rights free agent. The running back compiled 173 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries while also reeling in his only target for 12 yards over nine regular-season games in 2024.

Rodriguez finished the 2024 regular season with 35 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns and one catch for 12 yards.

The 2023 sixth-round pick spent much of the season on Washington's practice squad and was a healthy scratch for the final two playoff games, but he also had a few chances to handle a significant role when the team was missing either Brian Robinson or Austin Ekeler, both of whom are under contract through 2025. Robinson is an exclusive rights free agent, which means he'll likely be back with the Commanders in a depth role at the league-minimum salary for a third-year player. There is some chance Rodriguez gets an opportunity to move up the depth chart, as he's averaged 4.9 yards on 86 career carries after a prolific college career at Kentucky.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Eagles.

Rodriguez will be sidelined for the second playoff game in a row. The second-year running back was active but did not appear in Washington's wild-card win at Tampa Bay, and he logged 35 carries for 173 yards across nine regular-season appearances. The Commanders will once again roll with Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols at running back versus Philadelphia.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is listed as inactive for Saturday's divisional-round game in Detroit.

As he was in the Commanders' wild-card win at Tampa Bay last weekend, Rodriguez will remain in street clothes Saturday while Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols man Washington's backfield.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's wild-card game against the Buccaneers.

Rodriguez will be on the sidelines for the first round of the playoffs versus Tampa Bay. Washington will lean on Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols at running back in the wild-card round.

Rodriguez rushed five times for 16 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Falcons. He added one catch on his lone target for 12 yards.

Rodriguez played 18 of the Commanders' 83 offensive snaps Sunday, his highest offensive snap total since Week 13. The 24-year-old's touchdown was his second trip to the end zone this season. With that said, Rodriguez has not seen consistent usage in his eight appearances, making him difficult to trust for fantasy purposes heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Cowboys.

Rodriguez carried once for two yards in Sunday's 20-19 win over the Saints.

Rodriguez played just three of the Commanders' 78 offensive snaps Sunday, far behind both Brian Robinson (58) and Jeremy McNichols (22). In six appearances during the 2024 campaign, the second-year running back has totaled just 27 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. Rodriguez would likely need injuries to either Robinson or McNichols to gain more fantasy relevance down the stretch. With limited opportunities, the Kentucky product can be ignored for fantasy purposes going forward. The Commanders host the Eagles in Week 16.

Rodriguez rushed 13 times for 94 yards and a touchdown but wasn't targeted in Sunday's 42-19 win over the Titans.

Jeremy McNichols worked ahead of Rodriguez early on as the top alternative to Brian Robinson in the absence of Austin Ekeler (concussion), but Rodriguez excelled down the stretch as Washington ran up the score. Rodriguez began the Commanders' penultimate drive with a 25-yard run and capped it with a seven-yard touchdown run. He's unlikely to replicate this workload in more competitive games, but Rodriguez is making a case to leapfrog McNichols on the depth chart after Washington's Week 14 bye, while Ekeler will miss at least three more games while on IR.

The Commanders signed Rodriguez off their practice squad Tuesday.

Rodriguez was cut by Washington last week but quickly re-signed with the practice squad. The Commanders are once again dealing with injuries in the backfield, as Brian Robinson is tending to an ankle issue, and Austin Ekeler is in the concussion protocol. If neither can play Sunday against the Titans, Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols would handle running back duties.

The Commanders waived Rodriguez on Saturday.

Rodriguez was a health inactive in Week 11 against the Eagles. With Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols all healthy, Rodriguez was the odd man out after rushing 13 times for 56 yards in limited action. Rodriguez will likely be a candidate to land back on Washington's practice squad should he clear waivers.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Eagles, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Rodriguez has registered 13 carries for 56 yards over the Commanders' last two games, but he will be a healthy inactive Thursday due to Brian Robinson returning from a hamstring injury. With Rodriguez sidelined, Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols will be the backup running backs Thursday behind Robinson.

Rodriguez rushed twice for four yards in Sunday's 28-27 loss to the Steelers.

Rodriguez was elevated from the Commanders' practice squad for the contest with Brian Robinson (hamstring) sidelined, however, the second-year running back played just five of Washington's 64 offensive snaps Sunday. Meanwhile, teammate Austin Ekeler handled the majority of the workload out of the backfield with 14 touches as the starter against Pittsburgh. Jeremy McNichols chipped in as well with four rushes of his own. Rodriguez is buried on the Washington depth chart and should remain far of the fantasy radar in Week 11 when the Commanders visit the Eagles.

The Commanders signed Rodriguez from their practice squad to their active roster Saturday.

Rodriguez had been elevated from the practice squad three times prior to Saturday, including in Week 9 against the Giants, when he logged his first offensive snaps of the campaign and led Washington with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries. His opportunity in that game came as a result of Brian Robinson sitting out due to a hamstring injury, and Rodriguez could get a chance to play a significant role again this Sunday versus Pittsburgh with Robinson set to be sidelined again. To make room on the roster for Rodriguez, the Commanders placed tight end Colson Yankoff (hamstring) on injured reserve.

Rodriguez reverted to the Commanders' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

With Brian Robinson (hamstring) sidelined Sunday at the Giants, Rodriguez came up third in snaps (20 of 62) among Washington running backs behind Austin Ekeler (29) and Jeremy McNichols (24). Having said that, Rodriguez paced the team in rushing yards with 52 on 11 carries, while Ekeler notched 14 touches for 83 yards from scrimmage, and McNichols turned eight rushes into 20 yards and didn't haul in his only target. The Commanders have used their maximum allotment of three elevations on Rodriguez, so he'll need to be signed to the active roster in order to make another appearance with the team.

Rodriguez rushed the ball 11 times for 52 yards in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Giants.

Rodriguez was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game to account for the absence of Brian Robinson (hamstring). He tied for the team lead in rushing attempts and was surprisingly more effective than both Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols. This marked Rodrguez's third active game this season, though he had exclusively played on special teams on the first two occasions.

The Commanders elevated Rodriguez from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

It's the third and final time this season that Washington can elevate Rodriguez from the practice squad. He'll give the Commanders depth at running back in case Brian Robinson (hamstring) is unable to play Sunday against the Giants.

Rodriguez reverted to the Commanders' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Rodriguez was elevated ahead of a Week 6 loss to Baltimore with Brian Robinson (knee) unable to suit up. However, Rodriguez saw little action, logging zero offensive snaps and four special-teams snaps. Rodriguez has been elevated twice so far this season, and his likelihood of being active on game day again Week 7 could hinge upon whether Robinson needs to miss another game.

The Commanders elevated Rodriguez from their practice squad to their active roster Saturday ahead of Sunday's Week 6 clash with Baltimore.

Rodriguez was previously elevated ahead of Washington's Week 4 game against Arizona, but he didn't get any offensive snaps in the contest (though he did log six snaps on special teams). His elevation ahead of Week 6 comes as a result of starting tailback Brian Robinson being ruled out for the game due to a knee injury. Rodriguez could thus get some work against the Ravens on Sunday, though he's still behind Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols on the depth chart.

Rodriguez reverted to Washington's practice squad Monday.

Rodriguez was elevated to provide extra depth at running back with Austin Ekeler (concussion) out but ended up only playing on special teams. Rodriguez could once again be elevated next week versus the Browns if Ekeler remains sidelined.

The Commanders elevated Rodriguez to their active roster Saturday.

Rodriguez's elevation ensures depth at running back with Austin Ekeler (concussion) already ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals. Expect the second-year pro to play behind both Brian Robinson and Jeremy McNichols in Week 4.

The Commanders signed Rodriguez to the practice squad Wednesday.

The 2023 sixth-round pick appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Commanders in his rookie year, and over the last five games, Rodriguez turned 37 carries into 186 yards and two touchdowns while adding two catches for 12 yards. Despite that production, Rodriguez lost out to Jeremy McNichols for the No. 3 running back job behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler. Rodriguez will stick around with Washington on the practice squad, and he should be elevated to the active roster if Robinson, Ekeler or McNichols were unable to play.

The Commanders waived Rodriguez on Tuesday, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

A 2023 sixth-round pick, Rodriguez earned a role off the bench late last season and averaged 7.4 carries for 37.2 yards over a five-game stretch Weeks 11-16 before an ankle injury brought his rookie campaign to an early end. He came back healthy this spring/summer, but the new coaching staff in Washington seemed to prefer 28-year-old Jeremy McNichols for the No. 3 RB role behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler. It won't be surprising if a team in need of a power runner claims the 224-pound Rodriguez off waivers.

Rodriguez rushed the ball one time for one yard in Sunday's 20-10 preseason win over the Patriots. He added four receptions on five targets for 39 yards.

Rodriguez looked to be battling Jeremy McNichols for the third running back job throughout preseason and training camp, and the conclusion may not be in Rodriguez's favor. He was the second back on the field behind McNichols with both Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson resting, and he played into the second half. Rodriguez's ability to chip in on special teams may save his roster spot, but he isn't likely to see the field much with the offense early in the regular season.

Rodriguez took six carries for no gain and saw one incomplete target during Saturday's 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.

It wasn't an ideal start to the preseason for Rodriguez, and not just because of the unfortunate stat line. He rotated with Jeremy McNichols once Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler were pulled from the game after the opening drive, hinting at a competition between Rodriguez and McNichols for the No. 3 job. Granted, it might not be an especially important distinction, with Rodriguez profiling as a possible replacement for Robinson and McNichols a more natural fit to fill in for Ekeler's role. Landing on the practice squad or gameday inactive list for Week 1 wouldn't necessarily preclude Rodriguez from taking on a significant role in the event of a Robinson injury.

With the Commanders not selecting a running back in last month's draft, Rodriguez profiles as the team's No. 3 option at running back behind Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson,Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Per Standig, Rodriguez, who's presumably past his late season ankle issue, appears to be the clear early-down backup to Robinson, but with Ekeler also in the mix and destined to see plenty of touches, notably in passing situations, Rodriguez doesn't initially have a path to steady volume as the 2024 season approaches. As a rookie, the 2023 sixth-rounder recorded 51 carries for 247 yards and two TDs to go along with two catches for 12 yards in 13 regular-season contests. Also currently in the Commanders' depth RB mix are Jeremy McNichols, Austin Jones and Michael Wiley.

The Commanders placed Rodriguez (ankle) on injured reserve Thursday.

Washington hasn't revealed the findings from the MRI that Rodriguez underwent Tuesday, but scans on the rookie running back's right ankle evidently revealed an injury significant enough to keep him out of the final two weeks of the season. The Kentucky product logged just 14 carries through Washington's first 10 games, but he saw his role expand in the back half of the campaign and carried 10 times in both of the past two contests while lead back Brian Robinson (hamstring) was sidelined. Rodriguez delivered his best outing to date in the Commanders' 30-28 loss to the Jets this past Sunday, accruing 58 yards and two touchdowns on his 10 rushing attempts while hauling in his lone target for a seven-yard gain. Robinson returned to practice Wednesday in a limited fashion and could be back in action for this Sunday's game against the 49ers, leaving pass-catching specialist Antonio Gibson and Derrick Gore as his top backup options sans Rodriguez. With Gibson set to become a free agent this offseason and uncertain t

Rodriguez (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

Rodriguez ran for 57 yards and two TDs in Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Jets, making the most of Brian Robinson's absence due to a hamstring injury but then ultimately suffering an injury of his own. The rookie wore a walking boot after the game and was scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday, making his absence from practice Wednesday the furthest thing from a surprise. Robinson. meanwhile, returned to practice as a limited participant, potentially setting the stage for him to rejoin Antonio Gibson in the backfield as QB Jacoby Brissett prepares for his first start of the season.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Rodriguez (ankle) will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

According to John Keim of ESPN.com, Rodriguez was spotted with his right foot in a walking boot in the locker room following Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Jets, so it's not especially surprising that he'll need an MRI as the Commanders look to determine the extent of his injury. While top back Brian Robinson (hamstring) was sidelined for the second game in a row, Rodriguez once again handled an expanded role Sunday, playing 22 snaps and carrying 10 times for 58 yards and two touchdowns while adding one catch for seven yards. With the statuses of Robinson and Rodriguez both in flux for the team's Week 17 matchup with the 49ers, the Commanders are left with Antonio Gibson and Derrick Gore as their lone healthy backs at the moment.

Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Jets, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Rodriguez was spotted in a walking boot after the win, but the exact nature of his injury remains unclear. Jhabvala reports Rodriguez "rolled his ankle" against New York. With all of the injuries in the Commanders' backfield, Washington signed Jaret Patterson to the practice squad Tuesday.

Rodriguez was spotted with a boot on his right foot following Sunday's victory over the Jets, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Rodriguez had easily his best game as a professional in Week 16, totaling 65 yards and two scores, but it appears he injured his foot somewhere along the way. Further details were not immediately available, but Rodriguez's status will be updated again when more information is released.

Rodriguez carried the ball 10 times for 58 yards and two touchdowns and caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Jets.

For the second straight week with Brian Robinson (hamstring) sidelined, Rodriguez split the backfield workload with Antonio Gibson nearly equally, but this time the rookie was the far more effective and productive back. Rodriguez got the Commanders on the board with a 12-yard TD run in the second quarter before punching in a one-yard score in the fourth quarter as the team nearly pulled off a comeback from a 27-7 deficit. Robinson has yet to resume practicing, and if he misses another game, Rodriguez could break out of the timeshare with Gibson in Week 17 against the 49ers.

Rodriguez rushed the ball 10 times for 35 yards in Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Rams.

With Brian Robinson (hamstring) sidelined, Rodriguez paced the Washington backfield in carries. He wasn't particularly efficient with the opportunity, as his longest gain went for just 11 yards and he was held under four yards on six of his 10 attempts. If Robinson remains sidelined for a Week 16 matchup against the Jets, it appears that Rodriguez will be the team's primary back on early downs, while Antonio Gibson will see most of the pass-catching opportunities out of the backfield.

Coach Ron Rivera said Friday that Rodriguez will get more opportunities out of the backfield with Brian Robinson (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Robinson left Week 13's game against the Dolphins early with the injury, and Rodriguez handled seven carries following his departure. Antonio Gibson still paced the team with 10 rushing attempts, and four of Rodriguez's seven carries came on Washington's final four snaps of a blowout loss. While Rodriguez figures to take at some of the work that normally goes to Robinson, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what the split between Gibson and the rookie will look like.

Rodriguez took seven carries for 29 yards in a 45-15 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Rodriguez played a career-high 22 percent of Washington's snaps on offense, getting some extra work due to Brian Robinson missing the second half with a hamstring injury. It still didn't amount to much until garbage time -- he got four of his carries on Washington's final four snaps -- but there will be an opportunity for role expansion ahead if Robinson isn't ready after a Week 14 bye. The Commanders have a road game against the Rams in Week 15, and they might give Rodriguez more of a look down the stretch even if Robinson ends up being fine to play post-bye.

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 thus possible Rodriguez remains in the No. 2 role Thursday against Dallas, but only if Gibson misses another game.

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 / 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 first matchup with the Giants (Week 7).

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 some kind of 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 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.

Rodriguez (illness) was not listed on Washington's injury report Wednesday.

Rodriguez missed Washington's past two games with an illness, but it now looks like he should be good to go for Week 6. Through three games this season, he's seen just three carries for seven yards.

The Commanders downgraded Rodriguez from questionable to out ahead of Thursday's game against the Bears.

Washington listed Rodriguez as a limited practice participant throughout the week while he battled the illness, and the rookie out of Kentucky ultimately didn't make enough progress as the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff approached for the team to feel comfortable activating him for Thursday. The Commanders elevated Derrick Gore from the practice squad and could make him active for Thursday's contest as a third option out of the backfield behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.

Rodriguez (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Bears.

Rodriguez was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice, and his status for Wednesday's session is still unknown, but it's probably safe to assume he did not practice in full. The rookie running back will likely be a game-time decision, with his status for Thursday's game made known once the team releases inactive 90 minutes before kickoff.

Rodriguez (illness) was a limited participant at practice Tuesday.

His presence at practice at all is a good sign for Rodriguez after he was too sick to play in Week 4 at Philadelphia, but his status for Thursday's game versus Chicago still looks to be up in the air. He'll probably need to practice in full Wednesday to avoid carrying an injury designation into gameday.

Rodriguez (illness) was spotted practicing Tuesday, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

The rookie running back out of Kentucky missed the Commanders' Week 4 loss to Philadelphia with an illness, but it seems as if he's had enough time to move past the issue. Rodriguez recorded seven yards on three carries throughout his first three games, primarily playing on Washington's special teams unit.

Rodriguez (illness) was a limited participant in practice Monday.

Rodriguez is still battling an illness that kept him out Sunday's loss to the Eagles and will look to be ready for the Commanders' game against the Panthers on Thursday. If the rookie sixth-rounder is good to go, he still likely won't see a lot of playing time behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.

Rodriguez (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 4 game against the Eagles, Matthew Paras of The Washington Times reports.

Rodriguez was downgraded to DNP Thursday after being limited Wednesday. With Rodriguez on the shelf, Derrick Gore looks like a prime candidate to be promoted from the practice squad to fill RB3 duties behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.

Rodriguez (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Rodriguez logged a limited practice Wednesday while dealing with an illness, but was unable to do so again. This seems to be a move in the wrong direction for the Kentucky product ahead of the team's Week 4 game against the Eagles. However, the 23-year-old still has a couple more days to recover and upgrade his health before then and is still considered questionable for the divisional matchup.

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.

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 and had 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 61 percent snap share. Rodriguez isn't likely to see much work Week 2 at Denver but should be kept in mind for the future in case Robinson and Gibson don't stay healthy or produce.

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 unlikely to replicate Gibson's speed and receiving skills, the 224-pounder might be able to do a reasonable impression of Robinson 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.

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, Rodrigues 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.

Commanders coaches have been surprisingly pleased with Robinson's receiving skills at OTAs, Zach Selby of the team's official website reports.

Robinson comes in as a sixth-round pick after a college career at Kentucky in which he had more rushing touchdowns (33) than receptions (20). The 219-pounder is more of a threat to take the type of snaps/touches Brian Robinson got last year than those that went to Antonio Gibson, but at this early stage of the offseason it isn't clear if Rodriguez is a serious threat to have a role on offense at all early in the season. He's reportedly been working hard on special teams, which will be an especially important factor for making the Week 1 roster if the Commanders roll with only three running backs. Jaret Patterson and Jonathan Williams are the other RBs competing for roles behind Gibson/Ribson.

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.

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.