Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
Things are becoming clearer in the Washington Commanders' running back room. Although there is still time to turn things around for some, it seems like Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt will lead the charge in 2025.
That might be all the Commanders need. But if they decide to bring through four onto the 53-man roster, that opens the door slightly for players falling rapidly out of favor.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is among them. The former sixth-round selection displayed flashes of promise when carries came his way last season. While there wasn't much trust in the player once the business end of the campaign arrived, Adam Peters thought he was worthy of another one-year deal to see if some untapped potential remained.
Rodriguez has been solid if not spectacular this summer. The Kentucky product gained 22 rushing yards from six carries against the New England Patriots. Not exactly terrible, but the likes of veteran Jeremy McNichols and Demetric Felton arguably showed a lot more when called upon.
That's concerning for Rodriguez as he looks to overcome adversity once again. But even if he doesn't quite make it, the Commanders could easily stash him on the practice squad to continue his development.
Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
It was no surprise to see Colson Yankoff buried down the unofficial depth chart. The Commanders listed him as the fourth tight end behind Pro Bowl renaissance man Zach Ertz, blocking specialist John Bates, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott. That raises the stakes considerably in pursuit of booking his place on the team once again.
That might be something or nothing. However, it was a subtle sign that Yankoff's roster spot might not be as clear-cut as some thought heading into preparations for the new campaign.
Yankoff emerged from nowhere last summer to fight his way onto the 53-man squad. The UCLA product was used sparingly on game days, but being around the locker room during such a memorable campaign was no doubt a phenomenal experience. Still, the need to kick on to cement his status quickly became his primary goal this offseason.
There have been some decent flashes from Yankoff over practices. He brought in one reception from two targets for nine receiving yards versus the Patriots, but there's no doubt that the second-year pro was outshone by Lawrence Cager.
Cager is a physically dominant figure who is seizing every opportunity. Yankoff must match fire with fire in the coming weeks to bolster his chances.