We’ve heard from the moment Washington drafted him in April that everyone loved rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. A productive, multi-year starter for Kentucky in the SEC, Rodriguez does everything well.
He impressed the Commanders throughout the offseason but was behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson on the depth chart.
Throughout the season, Rodriguez received opportunities and delivered. But Robinson was having an outstanding season, and Gibson was thriving in his role.
When Robinson was injured in Week 13, Rodriguez was ready for an expanded role. He received 10 carries in last week’s loss to the Rams.
In Week 16, Rodriguez again received 10 carries. This time, he rushed for a career-high 58 yards, averaging almost six yards per attempt, and scored the first two touchdowns of his career.
Check out this run from Rodriguez on his first touchdown.
The rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. would not go down 😤
📺: #WASvsNYJ on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAjsX3 pic.twitter.com/T8lL2aKqDU— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
Rodriguez runs with excellent vision, power and patience. While he may not be the most physically gifted in terms of breakaway ability, Rodriguez keeps his legs moving and almost always gets positive yardage.
And when he scored his first career touchdown, Robinson greeted him on the sideline.
Afterward, Rodriguez discussed his celebration, which he planned ahead of time.
“First thing talking to [Assistant RBs] Coach [Jennifer] King, we talked about what you’re going to do for your first celebration, and we practiced,” Rodriguez said.
“I practiced and had some thought about it, and she was like, ‘Listen, you’re doing all of this; once you score, you’re not going to know what to do.’ Sure enough, when I got in there, I didn’t know what to do but shout out to the O-line. If it wasn’t for them, I probably would’ve came up a little short. With the ball, I don’t know what I really going to do with it yet. Probably keep it, but hopefully, it’s plenty more to come.”
The Commanders certainly hope there are plenty more to come, too.
