Commanders keeping Brian Robinson Jr. out vs. Bengals as trade rumors swirl

Brian Robinson Jr.’s days with the Commanders appear to be numbered.

The team and Robinson have mutually agreed that the running back won’t play in Monday night’s preseason game against the Bengals, per multiple reports, as trade rumors swirl around the 26-year-old.

It’s possible that the Commanders would cut Robinson if they can’t trade him, ESPN reports.

Robinson, a third-round pick by Washington in 2022 who’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, had 799 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in 14 games last season, but it seems like offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury may want to move in a different direction in the backfield.

Veteran Austin Ekeler is No. 2 on the Commanders’ depth chart behind Robinson. They also have Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

The Commanders selected Croskey-Merritt, who goes by Bill, in the seventh round out of Arizona, and the speedster has been a standout during training camp.

“I like the group we have; there’s no doubt Bill’s had some good flashes for a young guy,” Kingsbury said earlier this month.

Ekeler had 367 yards rushing with four touchdowns and added 35 catches for 366 yards across 12 games last season.

Expectations are high for the Commanders in 2025 after a surprise 12-5 season under new head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels ended with an NFC Championship game loss to the rival Eagles.

The team is currently stuck in a contract standoff with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and he is currently sidelined as a result.

Washington acquired receiver Deebo Samuel from the 49ers in March.