Brian Robinson Arrives at the 49ers: New Beginning After Unusual Week

Brian Robinson Jr. Adjusts to His New Team, the 49ers

In his first practice as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, running back Brian Robinson Jr. needed some time to adjust to his new surroundings. The move from the Washington Commanders to the 49ers was a process that required adjustments.

“It was like the first day of school. I got lost in the hallway for a second, but I found my way to class,” Robinson commented.

Brian Robinson Jr.

With the number 30 on his back and participating in a 62-minute training session on Monday, Robinson had to acclimatize after his departure from the Commanders, a situation that materialized in recent weeks, despite being the team’s most productive runner in the last three seasons. The agreement between the Niners and the Commanders was finalized on Friday, with Robinson arriving in San Francisco and a sixth-round pick from 2026 going to Washington, a deal officially announced on Sunday. Although Robinson didn’t seem surprised by the exchange, even mentioning that he saw the Niners as a possible destination, he couldn’t explain how he went from being Washington’s lead running back to being on the trade list.

“I couldn’t really tell you that right now. The last week or two has been a little unusual, but nothing changes for me. I expect the same goals that I set for myself three or four months ago. It’s still the same, the same process, all the same things I expected to do for myself this year. I expect to continue with that even though I’m in a new home, so nothing should change,” Robinson added.

Brian Robinson Jr.

The weekend was dizzying for Robinson, who, upon arriving in San Francisco, was immediately named the team’s second running back, behind Christian McCaffrey.

“We brought him here to be our second runner. I’ve always been a big fan of Brian. I loved him coming out of college. He’s done very well against him and we were excited that he was available and that we could get him,” said coach Kyle Shanahan.

Kyle Shanahan

The Niners showed interest in Robinson when he entered the league through the 2022 NFL draft. Robinson was one of the Niners’ 30 pre-draft visitors that year and spent a lot of time with then-assistant coach Anthony Lynn and getting to know other staff members, including running backs coach Bobby Turner. In his three seasons with Washington, Robinson accumulated 2,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, plus 65 receptions for 587 yards and five more touchdowns through the air. The trade rumors intensified during the camp, and Robinson’s position in Washington became clear last week when he neither played nor attended the Commanders’ preseason game against Cincinnati. According to Robinson, he had “some hints” that the Niners were a possible destination, but “several other teams” were also trying to sign him. The Niners’ interest in Robinson arose after a training camp in which they constantly dealt with injuries at the running back position. Jordan James (broken finger) missed most of the camp, Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) and Corey Kiner (ankle sprain) are on the injured reserve list, and Isaac Guerendo recently returned from his own shoulder injury. McCaffrey has gotten through the preseason without problems, but injuries and some difficulties for Guerendo, who lost the ball twice in a recent practice, also made Robinson an attractive option. On Monday, Robinson said he is eager to work alongside McCaffrey.

“I come here to compete. I’m ready to do my thing as well as Christian is ready to do his. So, my job right now is to complement him as best I can and we can be the best duo in the league,” Robinson affirmed.

Brian Robinson Jr.

As for how Robinson fits into their new offense, he said the terminology will take some time to learn, but the zone scheme, favored by the Niners, suits him well. He’s aware of the success Shanahan and Turner have had with many running backs over the years, which, according to him, should ease his transition to the 49ers.

“I’ve been running the ball my whole life, so I’m ready to just plug and play. I came here ready to play and I’m sure he wants to be able to use me like that. Whatever the run scheme is, he can put me in. I’m ready to run the plays already,” Robinson concluded.

Brian Robinson Jr.