Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. carries the ball; Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson defends Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Commanders could be close to Brian Robinson Jr. trade

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 2:34 PM ET

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is on the trade market and the team is looking to find the right deal for him.

According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the Commanders are taking extra measures to ensure Robinson stays healthy for a potential trade partner.

"Amid speculation about his future with the Commanders, RB Brian Robinson Jr. will not play tonight against the Bengals, sources say. It’s a mutual decision between Robinson and the team, as a trade before the cut to the 53-man roster remains a possibility," Garafolo tweeted.

Amid speculation about his future with the #Commanders, RB Brian Robinson Jr. will not play tonight against the #Bengals, sources say. It’s a mutual decision between Robinson and the team, as a trade before the cut to the 53-man roster remains a possibility. pic.twitter.com/jFCtzGbXob
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 18, 2025

Commanders to sit Robinson Jr. vs. Bengals

The Commanders are sitting a number of players ahead of tonight's matchup, including linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Von Miller, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, offen sive lineman Sam Cosmi and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Robinson is now added to the list, giving the Commanders one less running back to play with. Robinson ran for a career-high 799 yards and eight touchdowns with the Commanders last season, but now that he is a free agent in March, the team might be looking to move on from him sooner in order to get some value for him in return.

With Robinson out, that should mean more work is coming for seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr., among others. The team reportedly really likes what Croskey-Merritt has brought to the table and he could go into the season as the team's top running back on the depth chart.

Kickoff between the Bengals and Commanders is set for 8 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on ESPN or stream it on the ESPN+ app.