The Washington Commanders prepare for their Week 15 road matchup against the New York Giants following their blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Chris Rodriguez did not practice on Wednesday with a groin injury. Will fantasy football managers have the veteran back available for this favorable matchup?
Chris Rodriguez Injury Update
Rodriguez did not practice on Wednesday with a groin injury. It’s unclear when the injury occurred, as Rodriguez seemed healthy last week. He rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries in Sunday’s 31-0 loss to the Vikings.
Rodriguez was the only somewhat bright spot in what was a really tough afternoon for the Commanders. He has performed well of late, scoring nine or more fantasy points in three of his last five games.
Wednesday practice absences are largely meaningless for evaluating a player’s availability, especially for veterans dealing with minor ailments. This is not yet cause for concern.
Hopefully, Rodriguez returns to a limited practice on Thursday, which would put him on track to play. As long as he returns to practice in some capacity by Thursday or Friday, he should be available for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
The Commanders added running back depth ahead of Week 15 by signing veteran Chase Edmonds from the practice squad. This move could be precautionary or insurance-related given Rodriguez’s groin issue, though it doesn’t necessarily signal major concern about his availability.
Rodriguez’s Fantasy Outlook
Are you looking for a reason to watch the Commanders?
I wouldn’t be.
Outside of that, I can’t imagine why you’d want to leave your fantasy fate in the hands of a running back in this offense.
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Commanders Committee, Week 14
Chris Rodriguez: 40.8% snaps, 10 touches (two in the red zone)
Jeremy McNichols: 28.6% snaps, 1 touch (zero in the red zone)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 10.2% snaps, 7 touches (one in the red zone)
C-Rod has only one game with over 12 carries this season and has four catches on his three-year NFL resume. At this limited volume, even if it’s in the “lead role” for this offense, he needs a touchdown to be viable and I’m just not sold that this team gets much past 20 points in any week for the remainder of the season.
He’s hanging on for dear life to top 30 status at the position in my Week 15 rankings.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
