Week 2 brought some unexpected developments in NFL backfields that savvy fantasy football managers must address immediately. Several running backs who were afterthoughts just days ago suddenly find themselves in positions to provide real roster value. The waiver wire is heating up with players who saw expanded roles or benefited from changing circumstances in their offensive schemes.
Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders
Rostered: 0%
It’s hard to endorse picking up a player who didn’t see a touch. If Jeremy McNichols were that good, the Washington Commanders would’ve felt compelled to give him the ball. There’s a reason he played behind Austin Ekeler and got beaten out by Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Nevertheless, the Commanders are in a bind here. As poorly as they view McNichols, at least he was active. Chris Rodriguez was not, suggesting that McNichols is the more valued player.
More importantly, McNichols played every snap in the Commanders’ feeble attempt at a comeback against the Green Bay Packers. He’s the Ekeler replacement, at least for now.
The rookie should start going forward and will see more work on the ground, but JCM is not a good pass catcher. When the Commanders fall behind or are in the two-minute offense, it will be McNichols. While he’s unlikely to be startable in fantasy, he’s worth adding to see how things shake out.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1.5
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rostered: 55%
Bhayshul Tuten looked very good in his newly expanded role. He carried the ball eight times for 42 yards and caught two passes for 32 yards and his first NFL touchdown in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ loss to Cincinnati.
Bhayshul Tuten scores his first NFL TD!
JAXvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/B4EmYon3L8
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025
The rookie’s touchdown reception capped an impressive performance that showcased his versatility as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His 5.3 yards per carry efficiency shows he’s making the most of his opportunities, while his receiving work adds a valuable fantasy floor.
With Bigsby now in Philadelphia, Tuten has clearly established himself as Travis Etienne Jr.’s primary backup, logging significant snaps in both rushing and passing situations.
The fourth-round pick from Virginia Tech totaled 10 touches in Week 2, providing exactly the type of involvement that makes him startable in desperation scenarios. His ability to contribute in both phases of the ground game makes him a more complete fantasy asset than a typical handcuff.
Etienne remains the lead back but did not dominate touches, with Tuten earning meaningful work throughout the game, rather than just garbage-time carries. The rookie’s college production and breakaway speed create legitimate upside for a larger role as the season progresses.
Jacksonville’s investment in Tuten as their highest-drafted running back suggests long-term confidence in his abilities. Fantasy managers must recognize that Tuten represents pure upside with 10-touch weeks providing immediate flex value and plenty of runway to potentially overtake Etienne entirely.
Aggressiveness Rating: 6.5
