Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez spent the offseason improving his speed, losing weight and working on his receiving skills.

31 August 2025

Rodriguez spent 2024 floating between the practice squad and active roster, and was told by ST coach Larry Izzo to refine himself physically. He had swelled to 235 pounds following a high-ankle sprain in his 2023 rookie season. Rodriguez, now tipping the scales at 222, said he was clocked at 20-plus MPH “more times in training camp than I have in almost my whole life.” His improved speed was evident on a 40-yard preseason scamper, during which he hit 20.37 MPH. Rodriguez also hired private receiving coach Drew Lieberman, whose résumé includes Brandon Aiyuk and Chase Brown, but unfortunately dropped his lone preseason target. He has just three career catches. Rodriguez is a worthwhile dart throw given his position group’s shifting state and head coach Dan Quinn’s positive comments regarding his short-yardage rushing abilities.