Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson won't play in Monday night’s preseason affair versus the Cincinnati Bengals as rumors swirl about his future with the organization.
Robinson and the team mutually agreed he wouldn't play, as a trade before next week's roster cutdowns remains possible, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported, per sources informed of the situation.
Robinson, who's headed into the final year of his contract due $3.4 million in base salary, rushed for 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries last season. He's a grinder who can churn out yards and move a pile, but with a career 4.1 yards per carry average, Robinson, 26, lacks burst, and big plays are sparse.
A third-round pick by the prior regime, Robinson's career in D.C. was delayed by a gunshot wound suffered as a victim in an attempted carjacking before his rookie season that caused him to miss four games. Over three seasons, he's produced 2,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 570 carries, never topping 800 yards in a season.
A trade likely wouldn't return much draft capital at this stage, with a later-round pick or a pick swap being the most likely outcome in any swap. It's unclear if the Commanders would consider cutting Robinson if a trade doesn't materialize.
Given the injury risk, it's understandable why both sides agreed Robinson should sit out Monday's game.
Behind Robinson, who entered camp as the designated starter, the Commanders have veteran Austin Ekeler, who isn't likely to be a workhorse at this stage of his career. Seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt has reportedly impressed coaches and could earn more run if the team moves on from Robinson. Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols, Demetric Felton and Kazmeir Allen round out the depth chart ahead of the team's second preseason game.
