For the second consecutive year, Brian Robinson Jr. was a tremendous value in fantasy football drafts. Coming off his highest-volume game of the season, Robinson has been held out of practice all week. Should fantasy managers be concerned about the Washington Commanders’ RB1’s Week 5 status?
Will Brian Robinson Jr. Be Active in Week 5?
As a friendly reminder, when it comes to players who played the previous week, Wednesday practices are largely meaningless. Every NFL player is banged up to some degree. We often see veterans get Wednesdays off for an extra recovery day.
However, it is concerning that Robinson was held out of practice for the second day in a row on Thursday.
With Austin Ekeler out, Robinson set season highs in carries (21) and rushing yards (101). He also caught all three of his targets for 12 yards. His last touch came midway through the fourth quarter. There was no indication at the time that anything was wrong.
Clearly, something is bothering Robinson, as he has been held out of practice this week due to a knee issue. That may seem concerning to fantasy managers. However, it could be something as insignificant as general soreness. With no comments from Robinson or Dan Quinn, we simply do not know.
Robinson’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
If Robinson is able to go this week, he will have his work cut out for him. The Cleveland Browns may have a serious quarterback problem, but they do not have a defense problem. They’re allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs.
To be clear, defending the run isn’t the only area where the Browns have been top of the league. They are also very good against the pass. This is just a very good defense.
Robinson’s volume shouldn’t be an issue. Even with Ekeler likely to return this week, Robinson is the clear lead back. The issue will be how much he can get going on the ground.
Robinson has been very good this season, averaging 4.65 yards per carry and 4.39 yards per touch. 7.6% of his carries have gained at least 15 yards, the 11th-highest rate in the league. It’s easy to see why with plays like this.
Part of why the Commanders have the most efficient offense in the league? Brian Robinson’s very underrated vision pic.twitter.com/D5KeEyQxx9
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 1, 2024
Even against a tough defense, Robinson is a staple in fantasy lineups when active. With four goal-line carries and three touchdowns in four weeks, Robinson excels in the area where the Browns have shown a vulnerability to the run: the goal line.
The Browns have allowed five rushing touchdowns on the season. When the Commanders get near the goal line, they are almost certainly going to run the ball. Granted, it may not necessarily be with Robinson, but their low goal-line throw rate keeps Robinson on the field. It’s a toss-up as to whether Jayden Daniels will hand it off or keep it himself. Consider Robinson a mid-RB2, at worst, this week.