The Washington Commanders trying to trade starter Brian Robinson Jr. is good news for every other running back on the roster, and one member of the depth chart who’s fighting for a roster spot was blunt when asked about his teammate’s future.
Fellow running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. summed up the somewhat cold and often business-first nature of the NFL when asked how trade speculation about Robinson has impacted his own focus.
Robinson told reporters, including The Team 980’s Ben Standig, on Wednesday, August 20, how “at the end of the day, we’re all focusing on ourselves, we’re all trying to make the team.”
It’s a blunt reaction, but Rodriguez knows he’s in a fight to stick around. The 24-year-old told Standig he remains committed to “just believing in myself, you know, going out there playing full speed, doing what I was doing. I don’t think you need to change anything.”
That’s a bold display of confidence from a player on the roster bubble and needing a big day during the final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, August 23. Rodriguez can justify backing himself because he’s already impressed during the exhibition campaign, and because the Commanders are changing things in the ground game.
Changes beginning with finding a trade partner for Robinson.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Looking Good for Roster Spot
Robinson wasn’t involved last time out against the Cincinnati Bengals, affording Rodriguez an opportunity to remind head coach Dan Quinn about his talent. The latter will have been impressed by what he saw, particularly a 40-yard burst through the middle.
It happened on a trap run Coach Dan Casey of The Play Caller’s Club identified as “crunch.”
This play showed off all of the best characteristics Rodriguez brings to the rushing attack. He’s a true north-south runner who can pummel defenses between the tackles.
Robinson is supposed to fit the same description, but a core weakness in his game reveals why the Commanders want a trade.
Commanders Have Good Reason to Explore Brian Robinson Jr. Trade Option
While Robinson has struggled to gain yards before contact then break tackles, Rodriguez has proved a more punishing runner. He averaged a creditable 3.2 yards after contract per rushing attempt last season, according to Pro Football Reference.
The numbers shows Rodriguez can add the power element the Commanders still need on the ground. His brute force complements the breakaway speed of versatile veteran Austin Ekeler, along with breakout rookie and 2025 NFL draft seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Seeing Croskey-Merritt display pro-ready skills and game-breaking potential makes it easier for the Commanders to feel comfortable about dealing Robinson. The 26-year-old has been a serviceable starter, but Robinson has rarely brought elite talents to the field.
He’s not an overpowering force, nor is the former Alabama back a speedster capable of scoring in an instant. Some decent receiving skills make Robinson useful, but other backs in the rotation are more effective pass-catchers, notably Ekeler and fellow veteran Jeremy McNichols.
Add in the rushing skills of dual-threat All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and the time is ripe for the Commanders to move on from Robinson. Especially if Rodriguez nails down that roster spot as a legitimate short-yardage option.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Commanders RB Gives Blunt Answer About Brian Robinson Jr.’s Future appeared first on Heavy Sports.