Could the Brian Robinson Jr. era in Washington be over after three seasons?
A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Robinson has played in 41 games for the Commanders, making 37 starts. In 2024, he appeared in 14 games and got off to a strong start. Unfortunately, nagging injuries cost Robinson some time, and his performance waned in the second half of the season.
After rushing for over 100 yards in two of Washington’s first four games, Robinson only eclipsed the century mark once more in a Week 13 win over Tennessee.
While Robinson dealt with injuries, the Commanders’ offensive line also struggled with run blocking. So, Washington’s rushing issues outside of quarterback Jayden Daniels do not all fall on Robinson or his fellow running backs.
But it would shock no one if the Commanders looked to a loaded running back class in the 2025 NFL draft to bring another element to their backfield.
Commanders insider JP Finlay of NBC Washington and 106.7 The Fan went live on X Wednesday night, where he discussed Robinson in 2025.
“I don’t believe they’ll go into next year with B-Rob as their No. 1, but I’m just saying it’s easy to be dismissive of it,” Finlay said. “But I don’t necessarily agree with that. Because he was really good for a period of time, he got some injuries, if you recall; he was beat up, and I think what they started the year with at the running back was pretty smart with (Austin) Ekeler and Robinson. That was a real dynamic duo.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 20, 2025
Finlay didn’t criticize Robinson. He defended him, citing the offensive line and Daniels’ ascension as a passer. However, injuries cost Robinson and Ekeler some time. Both are under contract in 2025, but a loaded rookie class could give the Commanders another potential option next season.
It will be interesting to see how general manager Adam Peters configures Washington’s backfield. Robinson and Ekeler were excellent when healthy, but the Commanders would love to add a big-play threat to the mix.