Is Chris Rodriguez Jr. Commanders' answer at RB after breakout performance?

All the preseason talk surrounding the Washington Commanders' rushing attack was focused on seventh-round pick Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt.

While that was a fun story at the beginning of the season, a new leader in the running back room has emerged in the form of Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. has had limited opportunities

Rodriguez, a 2023 sixth-round pick out of Kentucky, has struggled to consistently get on the field in his young career. He collected 51 carries in his rookie season before following that up with just 35 in his second season. This year, though, has been a bit of a breakout season for the third-year running back, and he could very well be proving himself as the top option in Washington's backfield.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. has breakout performance in Week 11

Rodriguez's performance on Sunday in the Commanders' loss against the Miami Dolphins highlighted one of the best of his career so far. The RB tallied 15 carries for 79 yards, good for 5.3 yards per carry. The 15 carries were a career high, and his 79 yards were the most since he rushed for a career high 94 yards against the Tennessee Titans last season.