Last week marked the triumphant return for Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson, who missed the first four games of the season after being involved in a dangerous carjacking incident where he was shot twice.
Robinson came into the season with a ton of hype, and it looked like he was going to take the starting running back job away from Antonio Gibson but his accident definitely delayed that possibility. Now it appears all he needed was one game of action to get the attention of the Commanders coaching staff.
According to NFL insider Mike Garafalo, Robinson will start tonight and be the “lead back” for tonight’s game against the Chicago Bears.
#Commanders RB Brian Robinson will start and be the team’s lead back tonight against the #Bears, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Robinson made his NFL debut Sunday, logging 18 snaps. He’ll see more action against Chicago after proving he’s back from two gunshot wounds in August. pic.twitter.com/DTn0XJdHvy
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 13, 2022
It always seemed like Robinson would take the starting role at some point this year, but many are shocked to see this happen so quickly after he returned to the field.
As he should! Can't wait to see this guy do work in Chicago tonight. https://t.co/cvVPfsA7hN
— Olivia Garvey (@OliviaNBCLA) October 13, 2022
"Starting" RB doesn't really mean a whole lot, but this just confirms everything from this summer.
The Commanders view Robinson as their top back and Gibson is a bit player, at best. https://t.co/1mUeBQ7j4z
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) October 13, 2022
Let's gooooo https://t.co/fkRjwMPqMQ
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 13, 2022
Brian Robinson Jr. is +750 to score the first TD tonight 👀 https://t.co/7d9P0MBXdH
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) October 13, 2022
Washington gave its running backs 12 carries last week.
Nine went to Brian Robinson in his first live action since being shot in August.
He was already the lead back. Would have happened weeks ago if not for the unfortunate incident.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 13, 2022
Baffling that Brian Robinson is apparently not eligible for Comeback Player of the Year. If AP voting rules prevent the best comeback story in years from winning an award literally about the best comeback, the rules probably need to be changed. https://t.co/SWsP5QYqks
— Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) October 13, 2022
While Robinson may be the team’s official starter for the game, it seems like Gibson and veteran running back J.D. McKissic will still have a role for the team offensively in Thursday’s game.
This game sets up to be an extremely close contest. According to Caesar’s Sportsbook, this game is lined as a “pick’em”, with neither team being favored to win the game.
Robinson’s success in his new role could play a huge factor in the outcome of the game.
It looks to be an excellent matchup on paper for Robinson, facing off against a Bears defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL thus far this season.
That, combined with criticism for Carson Wentz from Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, expect Washington to lean on Brian Robinson early and often in Thursday’s game.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.