4 shocking Commanders cut candidates emerging from 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders didn't sit still at any position group this offseason. That was always going to be the case with general manager Adam Peters coming into the fold. The front-office leader harbors grand ambitions for the franchise and made what he thought were the right improvements to get this wayward organization on the correct path.
This was evident in the running back room. Austin Ekeler's arrival brings quality production and leadership. His dual-threat prowess and ability as a pass-catcher out of the backfield should help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels enormously. These traits also complement what Brian Robinson Jr. brings to the table well to raise excitement further.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was projected to be the No. 3 running back. The 2023 sixth-round selection flashed as a rookie, earning a 4.8 yards-per-carry average and finding the end zone twice from 51 carries. It was a small sample size, but an encouraging one nonetheless.
The former Kentucky star is looking to re-establish himself under a new regime this summer. Rodriguez feels like he's got the tools needed to become impactful, but there is no emotional attachment to the player. Showing out is the only way he can cement his status on the 53-man roster.
Rodriguez isn't doing much wrong. The physical runner finds himself on this list thanks in no small part to the performance levels of others vying for an opportunity.
Jeremy McNichols is making his presence felt in no uncertain terms at training camp according to those in attendance. The journeyman hasn't found a stable hope for long throughout his time in the league. There's an urgency to his production in keeping with his current predicament. This should keep Rodriguez on his toes with preseason games on the immediate horizon.
Both Rodriguez and McNichols will likely get plenty of chances to impress in a typical game-day setting over Washington's three warmup contests. This could be a straight fight to see who makes the squad, so the stakes couldn't be higher for both.
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