One of the more shocking things to happen in the NFL offseason was Washington Commanders’ running back Brian Robinson being shot multiple times in an attempted carjacking incident.
Robinson (seen above after a preseason game in August) luckily escaped with non-life threatening injuries, and it sounds like he is set to make his debut very shortly.
The Commanders announced on Wednesday that Robinson has been designated to return to practice for Washington this week.
RB Brian Robinson Jr. has officially been designated to return to practice
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 5, 2022
This comes just five weeks after the life-threatening robbery. Many have taken to social media to express just how remarkable this news truly is when you consider the circumstances.
Absolutely LOVE to see this. https://t.co/BHLan0JZBg
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 5, 2022
A great story/recovery, and also good news for Washington, which is excited about what he brings to the backfield. https://t.co/JOrlWtMjXA
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 5, 2022
Pretty amazing. https://t.co/fFvKprt8mt
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 5, 2022
Amazing. Such great news. https://t.co/vCleRU09qB
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) October 5, 2022
As expected. Great news. https://t.co/8XG32Io904
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) October 5, 2022
The Commanders selected Robinson in the third round of this year’s NFL draft, 98th overall, following his impressive college career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. And coming into the season, there was talk about how the Washington coaching staff preferred Robinson over starting running back Antonio Gibson, despite Robinson’s lack of NFL experience.
There was even a point in the preseason where Gibson was relegated to working only on special teams. Robinson, on the other hand, was receiving first-team reps for most of the offseason.
Since that point, Gibson hasn’t exactly done all that much to prove he deserves to keep his starting role, averaging under three yards per carry for the past three games.
Antonio Gibson is averaging under 3.0 YPC over the last three weeks and his snaps have fallen in every game thus far. https://t.co/QlnA8k5XZ6
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) October 5, 2022
If Robinson is able to return as the same player he showed to be this preseason, he should have his chance to be the focal point of the Commanders’ offense at the running back position.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera did hint at the possibility of him taking the field, saying that he is “optimistic” that Robinson can play on Sunday.
Rivera said he is "optimistic" about having Brian Robinson available to play Sunday against the Titans.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 3, 2022
Regardless of whether or not he plays a big role in Sunday’s game, it is still a huge win for Robinson to be returning to the field, especially when you consider how serious his injuries could have been.
[Washington Commanders on Twitter; photo from Jay Biggerstaff/USA Today Sports]
