OCTOBER 3: As expected, the team is indeed opening the three-week window for Robinson’s return to practice, head coach Ron Rivera confirmed on Monday.
OCTOBER 2: The Commanders are expected to activate running back Brian Robinson from the reserve/NFI list this week, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports. While Robinson has been trending in the right direction, this news is nonetheless a welcome development given that he suffered multiple gunshot wounds in an attempted carjacking at the end of August.
Robinson, a third-round rookie, was impressive in spring work and in training camp, leading to reports that he could be in line for the RB1 role, ahead of 2020-21 starter Antonio Gibson. Robinson took on a larger offensive workload in the early stages of the preseason, whereas Gibson was used as a kick returner for the first time in his pro career. Then, in the preseason finale, Robinson sat out, another sign that he was poised to work with the starting offense.
Shortly after the shooting, it was reported that Robinson was eyeing a return to the field this season, and in the middle of September, we learned that the Alabama product was already doing footwork and agility drills, which suggested that he was getting closer to game action. Rapoport cautions that Robinson is not necessarily assured of playing in Washington’s Week 5 matchup against the Titans; his activation would simply open a three-week window for him to practice before he either has to play or else be shut down for the remainder of the year.
John Keim of ESPN.com adds (via Twitter) that Robinson will have his right leg reexamined today (the gunshots hit his hip and knee, though there was no serious damage to his ligaments, tendons, or bones). Assuming the examination goes well, he would be activated Monday and practice on Wednesday. In his absence, Gibson and J.D. McKissic have split reps in the offensive backfield, with Gibson taking most of the handoffs and McKissic being used in more of a receiver role. Gibson has rushed 40 times for 124 yards, good for a meager 3.1 YPC average. Washington is ranked in the bottom-eight in the league in terms of rushing offense, so the club is doubtlessly eager to get Robinson going.
In other injury news, defensive end Chase Young, who is recovering from an ACL tear, is continuing to target a midseason return. That is consistent with what we heard in August. Center Tyler Larsen, meanwhile, will come off the PUP list this coming week and will be evaluated in practice (Twitter link via Keim). Larsen, who started three games for the Commanders last year, is dealing with an Achilles injury.
Kudos to a quick recovery, initially I didn’t think he had a shot at playing this year.
In theory…..
Just saying…..
Brian Robinson could be comeback player of the year and OROY …..
If he’s never played at this level what would he be coming back to?
The best kind of correct.
Shot twice 6 weeks ago and now has cleared player safety regulations? Do you all really believe that the NFL & NFLPA care about player’s safety?
So the location where the shooting occurred is not going to make the top 10 list of greatest places to live anytime soon. There is an active scam where they give minors guns to commit the crime since they will not get hard time.
The incredible part is that Robinson was shot through the knee. It went in and came out the other side with no major damage, his knee literally went full matrix on the bullet.
I still don’t see what this has to do with the NFL & NFLPA and player safety.
The job of any NFL team’s medical staff is to get people back on the field as soon as possible. If management suspects you care more about the player than the accomplishments of the team you will be replaced. So, which option would YOU choose?
Miami is under major flack over Tua. NO and the NFLPA knowingly let J Winston play with a fractured back for weeks.
I’m glad the guy is back and healthy, but don’t try to tell me that either the NFL or NFLPA really are concerned about the player’s ‘health’.