Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 29: Brian Robinson Jr. #8 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball in the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders have reached a critical point with third-year running back Brian Robinson Jr., a player who has been both productive and injury-prone since entering the league. Robinson was held out of the team’s second preseason game, and head coach Dan Quinn explained the decision by saying, “Adam [Peters] and I had met with Brian yesterday and told him that we would hold him out of the game tonight. There’s just a lot of moving parts this time of year. Those things take place. And so, I just wanted to make sure that’s my responsibility to let the team know whenever I can so they’re not hearing any information from anywhere else.”
Quinn’s remarks did not confirm Robinson’s future one way or the other, but the decision raised eyebrows across the league. As the Commanders attempt to shape their 53-man roster, Robinson’s status remains a focal point. His absence created speculation that Washington could be weighing the pros and cons of moving forward without him.
Things are moving quickly on the BRob front. Per those close to the situation he will not play tonight against the Bengals. It was mutually agreed. I can say, I didn’t see this coming. @cwallse do you remember what we saw in NE last week in the tunnel? #NFL #Raisehail
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) August 18, 2025
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There are positives and negatives to either Keeping Robinson or moving on from him being in burgundy and gold.
The Case for Keeping Robinson
The argument for keeping Robinson on the roster is a strong one. Since being drafted, he has proven himself to be a physical, downhill runner capable of handling a high volume of carries. He thrives in short-yardage situations, and his ability to wear down defenses late in games was thought to be a key part of Washington’s offensive identity.
Robinson’s experience also matters. At just 25 years old, he already has a proven track record in the NFL and understands the grind of a full season. For a team that will be relying on a mix of youth and veterans across the offense, having Robinson’s steady presence in the backfield could be invaluable. In 36 starts over three seasons, Robinson has amassed 2,319 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Argument for Moving On
At the same time, there are reasons the Commanders might consider moving on from Robinson. Washington’s running back room is crowded with emerging players like Bill Croskey-Merritt and Demetric Felton, both of whom have flashed in training camp and preseason action. Their youth, speed, and versatility give the offense a different dimension than Robinson’s power-first style. Then there are veteran backs Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez. All five backs can each play special teams, which is something Robinson doesn’t do.
Contract considerations may also come into play. With Robinson in the final year of his rookie deal, Washington may see value in reshaping the backfield before committing significant resources long term. The coaching staff’s decision to hold him out of preseason action could signal that the team wants to evaluate other options more closely before final roster cuts if a trade for Robinson can’t be made.
Another major piece to the situation is the aforementioned injuries. Robinson has not played a full season since entering the league back in 2022. His best effort as far as availability came back in 2023 when he played and started in 15 games.
A Difficult Decision Looms
Quinn emphasized that transparency with players and the team is key during these uncertain weeks of roster building. “If I have a chance when things come up, especially during this time of year, where I can bring them together and discuss things, I want them to hear those things from me first,” Quinn said. His words reflect the tough choices every NFL team faces in August, when balancing proven talent with future potential often defines the roster.
For Robinson, the coming days will determine whether he remains a core piece of Washington’s backfield or becomes a casualty of a younger movement. The Commanders know what they have in him, but they might have already decided if that is what they need in 2025. It appears the writing is on the wall for the former third-round draft pick, and his days in Washington are numbered.