Commanders surge in preseason amid Robinson trade chatter

A look at Washingtons preseason showing and what it might signal about Brian Robinson Jr and the backfield

Commanders ignite ground game amid Robinson trade talk

Washingtons starters opened the game by marching 73 yards on four plays without a pass, with Chris Rodriguez breaking a 40 yard run to set up a 14 yard touchdown scamper by Jayden Daniels. Jacory Croskey Merritt then took his turn, finishing the drive with a 27 yard touchdown run after racking up 32 rushing yards on the second series. By halftime Rodriguez had six carries for 62 yards and Croskey Merritt had 32 yards on two attempts, while Deebo Samuel and Daniels added big gains as well. The Commanders finished the first half with 130 rushing yards on 13 attempts as Cincinnati looked vulnerable against the run.

The storyline is clear, depth in the backfield matters, and Washington used the night to test options behind Brian Robinson Jr. His absence amid trade rumors left a clearer path for Rodriguez and Croskey Merritt to push for roster spots. The Bengals run defense appeared soft at times, a reminder that preseason results must be read with caution. This game shows why teams value August reps: they expose breadth and opportunity, not just the starter's day. Still, one strong night does not equal a turn of the roster wheel; Washington will need more evidence in live games before making a move that redefines its backfield.

Highlights

More updates will come as teams refine their plans for the regular season