Brian Robinson Jr. spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Washington Commanders, surpassing 850 scrimmage yards in each of them and even establishing himself as the team’s starting running back.
Still, that wasn’t enough to keep him in Washington for a fourth year. The Commanders chose to move on and take the backfield in a different direction.
Commanders Traded Away Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson was traded to the San Francisco 49ers prior to the start of the 2025 NFL season. The move was a bit surprising considering his consistent production and featured role in their offense, but they apparently felt a change to their backfield was necessary.
They entered the year with Austin Ekeler as the lone veteran with notable experience, but they were reportedly confident in Jacory Croskey-Merritt as well. Ekeler suffered an injury shortly into the season, giving the rookie an opportunity to prove his value, which he has done in his expanded role.
While Croskey-Merritt has been the primary replacement this year, the Commanders have also utilized Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in their offensive game plan. As for Robinson, he has been serving as a backup for superstar Christian McCaffrey with the 49ers and has been lightly used this season.
Robinson has rushed for 238 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games this season, as a healthy McCaffrey commands a massive workload and a clearly featured role in the 49ers backfield. Through the first 10 weeks of the season, McCaffrey has earned a PFSN RB Impact grade of B- and is ranked 13th in the league.
The catch is that McCaffrey has often struggled to stay on the field due to an extensive injury history throughout his career. He missed 13 games last year and has completed only two of the past five seasons without missing time due to injury.
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This is likely one of the main reasons the 49ers were interested in trading for Robinson when the Commanders made him available. He can essentially serve as an insurance policy for McCaffrey, especially with Jordan Mason departing for the Minnesota Vikings during the offseason. It cost them just a sixth-round pick to acquire him.
As of now, Robinson appears firmly planted in their RB2 role, which doesn’t come with much volume behind one of the best players in the game for now, but surely could if another injury issue arises.
Washington Commanders’ Insights for Week 11
Team:Â Washington has only played one game in Europe, a 27-27 tie against Cincinnati in London during the 2016 season.
QB: Marcus Mariota has had a QBi grade of C or better in four of five games this season. His 79.3 (C+) against the Lions in Week 10 was his second-best score.
Offense: Washington didn’t turn over the ball in the loss to the Lions to snap a streak of seven straight games with a turnover.
Defense:Â The Commanders have allowed 35.8 PPG during their five-game losing streak. They allowed at least 25 first-half points in three of the games.
Fantasy: Deebo Samuel scored the short touchdown, but this is an offense to avoid. He was unable to out-earn Treylon Burks and Robbie Chosen in a meaningful way, making everyone in this offense a tough sell once Terry McLaurin returns.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the lead back in a name only: he only has two games with multiple receptions this year and isn’t featured enough to make the Derrick Henry profile work.
