Brian

Robinson Jr.

The meager fantasy production comes one week after the veteran back lost two fumbles for the Commanders in a game they would ultimately win over the Eagles. Many assumed the absence of Austin Ekeler would vault Robinson into a workhorse role for the Commanders, but the presence of Chris Rodriguez, who scored in this one, and Jeremy McNichols have proved those predictions false. After locking up a playoff berth and seemingly having nothing left to play for, there is the possibility the Commanders rest key starters in Week 18 against the Cowboys. That could provide more run for Rodriguez, who managed 16 yards on five carries and a score in Week 17.

Robinson lost not one, but two fumbles on the day and was phased out of the Washington offense in the team’s furious second half comeback. Robinson was his usual plodding self early on, doing almost nothing after first contact and committing two of the Commanders’ five turnovers on the day. He ran a route on 22 of Washington’s 48 drop backs. Chris Rodriguez had three carries while Jeremy McNichols saw two rushing attempts. Robinson, who had 38 rushes in two games before Week 16, should be a solid RB2 play next week against Atlanta.

Robinson fell short of the end zone twice in this one and lost out to Terry McLaurin on a chance for a short-yardage score when McLaurin hauled in a three-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Robinson was largely bottled up in this one, as he averaged just 3.1 YPC on the day, but saw his rushing total buoyed by a 20-yard run early in the third quarter. Robinson handled 21 of the Commanders’ 24 running backs carries on Sunday, and will be a volume-based RB2 in Week 16’s game against the Eagles.

Robinson did most of his damage on his first carry of the game when he broke free for a 40-yard touchdown to give the Commanders an early 7-0 lead. Nearly all of Robinson’s damage came in the first half, as he was held to just five carries for 18 yards in the second half. Robinson’s lack of involvement in the second half was likely due to game-script and the fact he was playing a week after suffering a nasty-looking injury. The Commanders now enter their Week 14 bye, but Robinson will be a great fantasy play when they return in Week 15 to face the Saints.

Robinson exited Week 12 with a seemingly significant ankle issue. He was listed as questionable to return and was back on the field in no time, only to sit out of the second half entirely. The fact that he was upgraded to a full practice on Friday and didn’t even receive a token questionable designation suggests it was somehow a minor injury. With Austin Ekeler out, Robinson remains a touchdown-based RB2 for Week 13.

It’s a somewhat surprising development after Robinson suffered what appear to be a significant ankle injury last week against the Cowboys. He did not pay at all in the second half against Dallas, and the Commanders on Monday signed RB Chris Rodriguez to the game day roster. Robinson told reporters that he “think[s] I’m in a great spot.” If Robinson practices on Thursday and Friday, he should be able to suit up against the Titans.

That may as well be a glaring siren that at least one of Austin Ekeler (concussion) and Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) are going to be hard to trust this week. Jeremy McNichols is the only healthy back on the Commanders roster. It’s possible that Rodriguez gets as far up the pecking order as lead committee back this week if both Ekeler and Robinson sit. He’s a potentially worthwhile waiver claim in deeper leagues.

Robinson attempted to play through his injury but did not see a snap in the second half of Sunday’s loss. It’s just the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued Robinson all season, as he’ll now look to get right in time for Week 13’s game against the Titans. Austin Ekeler is still in concussion protocol, which means the Commanders could be very thin at running back if both he and Robinson can’t play on Sunday. Robinson’s status will be one to monitor throughout the week, but those in need of help should look to stash Jeremy McNichols where available.

It was an odd game for Robinson, who left with an apparent leg/ankle injury after the first play of the game only to return to start the Commanders’ second drive. Robinson had his leg/ankle rolled up by a defender on what appeared to be an ugly play. His return to the field came as a surprise, but the third-year back wasn’t heard from after the first-half. His absence was likely due to his injury, but we’ll wait for the team to confirm that in the coming days. If Robinson is unable to go in Week 13, the Commanders could be looking at Chris Rodriguez and/or Jeremy McNichols as their lead backs with Austin Ekeler in concussion protocol.

Robinson didn’t miss a drive after exiting with a leg injury on the Commanders’ first play of the game. The third-year back suffered what appeared to be a nasty leg/ankle injury after a defender rolled up on him. After a short trip to the bench and then the locker room, Robinson was back out on the ensuing drive and immediately took a carry for a seven-yard gain.