Commanders' new addition proves Brian Robinson Jr. exit was inevitable

Brian Robinson Jr. fell out of favor quickly. The Washington Commanders praised him throughout the summer, but plans were already made for his departure before the 2025 campaign.

Robinson was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. He wasn't happy about it, taking a veiled swipe at the organization for the way they handled his exit. But this isn't a charity.

Adam Peters is running the football operation with ruthless professionalism, and he's doing it well. The backfield threat performed well, but it wasn't enough. And the latest addition to the team's options proves that his farewell was always inevitable.

Commanders' newest running back is proof why Brian Robinson Jr. was traded

The Commanders took in four running backs onto their roster. Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt all made it. However, that didn't stop Peters from acquiring another intriguing player capable of generating reps if others fall out of favor.

Ben Standig, who covers the team independently, reported that the Commanders are signing running back Donovan Edwards to their practice squad. He fell victim to the numbers game with the New York Jets despite leading them in rushing during the preseason. They hoped to bring him back onto the practice squad, but the chance to join Washington's ambitious project was too tempting to ignore.

Edwards spent four years at Michigan, winning a national title alongside Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil in 2023. He is best remembered for a phenomenal performance against bitter rivals Ohio State in 2022, gaining 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns during a phenomenal display of poise and aggression.

That wasn't enough for Edwards to hear his name called in the draft, but his biggest strength is the ability to exploit seams for explosive plays. This is something the Commanders didn't have with Robinson, who'd often get stuck at the line of scrimmage and didn't have the breakaway speed to gain big yardage in the open field.

It remains to be seen whether Edwards will see action during the regular season. Even so, the fact that he's come on board is a sign of what the Commanders are looking for in their running back unit moving forward. And unfortunately for Robinson, that's just something he just couldn't provide.

Being adequate doesn't wash with this regime. It's why most of Ron Rivera's draft picks are no longer around. It's why Dominique Hampton, one of Peters' selections, was cut loose. It's also why the Commanders have risen from the proverbial ashes into a leading Super Bowl contender.

Long may it continue.

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