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John Keim
LANDOVER, Md. — Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. sat out his team’s 31-17 preseason defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night, potentially indicating the conclusion of his time with the organization after three years.
Neither Robinson nor wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is not practicing while pursuing a contract extension, were present at Northwest Stadium during the loss.
A league source mentioned that the Commanders might attempt to trade Robinson in the coming days. If no team expresses interest, Washington could end up releasing Robinson, its lead back over the last three seasons.
Coach Dan Quinn stated that he and general manager Adam Peters spoke with Robinson Sunday afternoon and informed the team about the choice to withhold him from the game against the Bengals. He indicated he wanted the information to come from him first.
However, Quinn refrained from elaborating on what the future holds for Robinson in Washington.
«I’ll provide you with an update once there’s something worthwhile to share,» he stated.
Prior to the news regarding Robinson, a team source indicated that Monday’s game would showcase a significant amount of third-year Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt at running back. Indeed, Rodriguez rushed six times for 62 yards, including a 40-yard run on his opening carry. Croskey-Merritt accumulated 46 yards on 11 carries, scoring from 27 yards during Washington’s second series.
If they part ways with Robinson, the Commanders would have only 10 players on the roster who were drafted before the hire of general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn following the 2023 season.
Washington also features veteran Austin Ekeler in the backfield and intends to occasionally utilize receiver Deebo Samuel as a running back, similar to his usage with the San Francisco 49ers.
Jeremy McNichols, now with 10 different franchises, impressed Washington’s coaches last season with a career-high 261 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
«As we entered training camp, we believed this was a deep group,» Quinn commented.
On Friday, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury echoed the same notion. He highlighted Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt, McNichols, and even Kazmeir Allen.
The Commanders have cycled through their running backs during camp, though Robinson was usually the first to receive reps. However, the coaches have hinted at a running-back-by-committee approach.
«All six or seven players in that group have a role in this league,» offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury remarked recently. «They each possess dynamic traits, excelling in specific areas, and those who have had their chances have performed at a high level. It’s a deep ensemble, and we just need to see how it unfolds.»
Additionally, prior to the draft, a team source indicated that the Commanders were certain to select a running back, although it likely wouldn’t be in the earlier rounds. They sought more than what they were receiving from the position and Robinson.
Robinson’s NFL path began under challenging circumstances. The third-round selection in the 2022 draft was shot on August 28, 2022, during an attempted robbery in Washington, D.C. Despite having surgery on his knee due to the shooting, he returned to participate in 12 games, rushing for 797 yards and two touchdowns.
Since being drafted by the organization, Robinson has rushed for 2,329 yards in 41 games with Washington. Last season, he achieved a career-best 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
Throughout his career, he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry, placing him 40th among running backs since his entry into the league. He was 29th in yards after first contact, and his 10-yard run percentage (9.8) ranked 86th. However, he was 17th in rushing yards per game (56.8).
