The Washington Commanders seem to be on the verge of moving on from running back Brian Robinson Jr. Instead of taking the field in Washington’s preseason matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, Robinson stayed on the sideline, making way for a possible shift in the team’s plans.
What’s Next for Brian Robinson Jr. and the Commanders?
Robinson, headed into his fourth NFL campaign, reportedly agreed with the Commanders that he would sit out the Week 2 preseason game. That opened the door for rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to showcase what he can do with game reps.
The rookie wasted no time taking advantage. Against the Bengals, Croskey-Merritt logged 11 carries for 46 yards and found the end zone once. After getting selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he’s been turning heads with his rushing ability throughout training camp for Washington.
Since entering the NFL from Alabama back in 2022, Robinson has been the lead back in Washington’s offense. Across 41 games with the Commanders, he has racked up 15 touchdowns on 570 carries for 2,329 yards.
Now, Robinson is headed into the final year of his contract. Reports are swirling that the Commanders could be ready to move on, with some inside the organization voicing concerns about his overall play. One local Washington radio host even noted the tension:
“They have been out on Brian Robinson since down the stretch, especially since before that Detroit playoff game…they were not happy with his aggression, his timid reading of his keys getting uphill,” radio host Chris Russell said.
Washington offers a deep backfield, and Croskey-Merritt is making headlines with his big performances in preseason action.
Which NFL Teams Might Want Robinson’s Services?
If Washington does decide to cut ties with Robinson, several teams could be interested as NFL rosters are trimmed to 53 players. Here’s a look at five teams that might come calling:
Houston Texans
Houston features Joe Mixon at running back, but he’s currently sidelined by a foot injury. Nick Chubb, who made a name with the Cleveland Browns, now wears a Texans uniform and is impressing DeMeco Ryan with his physicality. The Texans could see Robinson as a useful addition to boost their depth at running back.
San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is expected back and ready for the season. Behind him, the 49ers have rookie fifth-rounder Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo listed as reserves, who are both dealing with injuries. With McCaffrey approaching 30, adding the quick-moving Robinson could appeal to San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan.
Dallas Cowboys
At one point, Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones might have landed Derrick Henry before the star running back joined the Baltimore Ravens. Imagine Henry joining quarterback Dak Prescott in the Dallas backfield. That move didn’t happen, and now the five-time Pro Bowler runs through defenders as a Raven. Dallas features Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Javonte Williams, but Jones needs to seriously evaluate his options. Any Cowboys fan watching could see Robinson helping this team right away.
Chicago Bears
Chicago fans are locked in on sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams, and for good reason. Plus, the Bears have a stellar running back in D’Andre Swift, who ran for 959 yards and scored six times while starting every game in 2024.
Why would the Bears think about Robinson? He’d bring veteran experience to Chicago and could help take some pressure off Williams. Bears head coach Ben Johnson might be open to taking that chance.
New York Giants
At this moment, the Giants have Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary atop the depth chart. Tracy was drafted last year, and New York could use a more experienced back.
If Robinson landed in New York, he’d instantly upgrade the offense. Could Giants coach Brian Daboll and the front office give him a shot? With training camp winding down, there’s still time before the 2025 NFL season gets underway.