Just over a month after getting shot twice in the leg during an attempted robbery, Commanders running back Brian Robinson has been activated by Washington for its game against the Titans on Sunday, the team announced Saturday.
The move comes after the 23-year-old rookie returned to practice on Wednesday and his right knee responded well. It’s unclear how much he’ll play, but being placed on the 53-man roster just a few days removed from being cleared to practice is a good indication he’ll see the field in what will be his NFL debut.
Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic have been sharing running back duties for the Commanders, with Gibson tallying 173 yards but only averaging 3.3 yards per carry.
Washington’s hope for Robinson, whom the Commanders drafted out of Alabama in the third round last April, is to use him in a traditional between-the-tackles role. Though it’s likely all three backs would see work against the Titans, especially with Gibson and McKissic being good pass catchers.
Brian Robinson Jr., center, works out during practice at the Commanders’ training facility on Wednesday. AP
The Commanders drafted Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round last April. AP“You’ve got a good group of backs that rotate through and you try to find the matchups that you can exploit,” Commanders coach Ron Rivera told reporters.
Running backs coach Randy Jordan also said that Robinson has a “good feel” when it comes to running and is a natural at “feeling where he needs to cut.”
Washington (1-3) could certainly use all the help it can get.
The Commanders are already without rookie receiver Jahan Dotson, who’s sidelined with a hamstring injury, and starting right tackle Sam Cosmi is also out with a right thumb injury. Tight end Logan Thomas (calf) is questionable.
Washington also ranks near the bottom third of the league in rushing with just over 100 yards a game and is averaging a meager 18.3 points per contest, 10th fewest in the NFL.
Robinson was shot in the leg on August 28 while he was going to a restaurant in Washington D.C. and underwent surgery, with doctors telling him there was no structural damage.
“It’s been a long five weeks, you know, but it’s a lot of work,” Robinson said on Wednesday. “I did everything I needed to do over that time period to make sure I was here today.”
