The Commanders moved on from running back Brian Robinson Jr., excusing him from preseason game and practices amid trade rumors and locker speculation. Washington dealt Robinson to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick, a modest return given expectations of release. The 49ers gain a physical running back who can relieve Christian McCaffrey between the tackles and immediately contribute under Kyle Shanahan. The Commanders plan to use a committee approach, leaning on Austin Ekeler, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr. in short-yardage, and Jeremy McNichols as a dependable backup and special-teams option.
And perhaps unsurprisingly, it was his old employers who came calling with the best offer. Robinson was quickly cast out by the Commanders once those in power deemed him unsuitable for their project moving forward. Rumors of a trade surfaced initially. Washington all but confirmed these reports by excusing the third-round pick from the Monday Night Football preseason game and practices. There was even speculation about his locker already being empty.
According to Adam Schefter from ESPN, the Commanders struck a deal with the San Francisco 49ers for Robinson. The compensation wasn't ever going to be much when everyone knew he'd be released, so the 2026 sixth-round pick is better than nothing. Robinson will now get the chance to contribute immediately on the Niners, who need more at the running back position.
It'll probably be a committee approach, but there is much more explosive play potential with Robinson out of the picture. Austin Ekeler will be the experienced dual-threat weapon. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt took the Commanders by storm this summer and looks capable of immediate involvement. Dan Quinn revealed that Chris Rodriguez Jr. will take over in short-yardage situations and possibly more.
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