Brian Robinson Jr. Could Leave the Commanders
LANDOVER, Md. – Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. will not participate in Monday night’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This decision could mark the end of his time with the team after three seasons. Sources indicate that the Commanders could try to trade Robinson in the coming days. If they don’t find an interested team, Washington could make the decision to cut Robinson, who has been the team’s primary running back for the last three seasons. Before this news, it was expected that Monday’s game would give a greater opportunity to Chris Rodriguez, in his third year, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a rookie selected in the seventh round, at the running back position. If Robinson leaves, the Commanders would have only 10 players on the roster who were drafted before the arrival of general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn, who were hired after the 2023 season. The team also has veteran Austin Ekeler in the backfield and plans to use wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. as a running back on some occasions. Also, they have Jeremy McNichols, who has played for 10 different franchises. McNichols impressed Washington coaches last season, running for a personal best of 261 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has highlighted the team’s depth at the running back position, mentioning Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt, McNichols, and even Kaz Allen. The Commanders have rotated their running backs during camp, although Robinson used to be the first to get work. Coaches have suggested a “running back by committee” approach.Before the draft, a team source indicated that the Commanders would definitely select a running back, although probably not in the early rounds. They were looking for more production at that position, compared to what Robinson offered. Robinson’s NFL career began with a difficult episode. He was the victim of an attempted robbery on August 28, 2022, in Washington, D.C., where he was shot. Despite undergoing knee surgery, he returned to play 12 games and ran for 797 yards and two touchdowns. Since he was selected by the organization in the third round three years ago, Robinson has rushed for 2,329 yards in 41 games with Washington. Last season, he reached a personal best of 799 yards and eight touchdowns. In his career, he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry, ranking 40th among running backs since entering the league. He ranked 29th in yards after first contact, and his 10-yard run percentage (9.8) was number 86. However, he was number 17 in yards per game (56.8).“All six or seven players have a place in this league,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury recently said. “They all have dynamic qualities and things they do very well, and when they’ve had the opportunity, they’ve played at a high level. It’s a deep group and we have to see how it develops.”
Kliff Kingsbury
