Commanders sit Robinson in preseason amid trade chatter

The Commanders sit Brian Robinson Jr tonight as trade talks heat up and his future with Washington remains unsettled.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. Will Not Play Tonight Amidst Uncertain Future With Team

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr will not play in tonight's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals as the team weighs its options for the backfield and his future with the organization. The decision comes after a report that Washington is exploring trade offers for the 26 year old and that the choice was mutual between the player and the team. Robinson was drafted in 2022 with the No 98 overall pick and is now in the final year of his rookie contract.

In 2024 he appeared in 14 games, rushing for 799 yards on 187 carries with eight total touchdowns and adding 20 receptions for 159 yards. The Commanders have not announced a formal trade, but multiple reports indicate the franchise is evaluating its options as it plans for 2026 and beyond.

This preseason pause signals that Washington is prioritizing flexibility over a fixed plan for the backfield. If a trade unfolds, it could reshape how the team allocates carries and salaries in the near term. The move also reflects a broader NFL trend toward multi role backs and roster juggling rather than a single feature back. Robinson has shown he can contribute as both runner and receiver, but his value will be judged by how teams balance performance, age, and the cost of his rookie deal.

Looking ahead, Robinson’s market will depend on how the team weighs immediate depth against future flexibility. A potential trade would test his fit with other schemes and how much teams are willing to match or exceed his contract expectations.

Highlights

The coming weeks will reveal how Washington balances a growing backfield with a changing market.