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Commanders' preseason strategy could finally expose Brian Robinson Jr.'s fate
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Brian Robinson Jr.'s future with the Washington Commanders is becoming increasingly uncertain . The team's strategy during their preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals will tell fans all they need to know about the running back's fate.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, which was later confirmed by other local beat writers, the Commanders are reportedly shopping Robinson around the league. This indicates he might not be part of the team's plans moving forward, although nothing has been officially confirmed by those in power as yet.

How the Commanders utilize Robinson on Monday Night Football will be a sound measuring stick about what the next few days or weeks hold for the Alabama product. If the backfield threat gets a heavy workload, potentially playing into the third and fourth quarters over others, that's a pretty strong indicator that he's on the trade block.

How Commanders use Brian Robinson Jr. against the Bengals will be telling

If Robinson is used sparingly, working with the starting unit alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels but not much else, that could be a sign that h e remains part of the offensive strategy in 2025. However, this could also be due to the need to keep him healthy and retain his potential value on the trade market.

It's a fascinating situation. Watching how Jacory Croskey-Merritt is deployed could say a lot, too.

Hype immediately went through the roof around Croskey-Merritt when reports about a trade for Robinson surfaced. The Commanders have been cautious with the seventh-round rookie this week after he landed heavily on his shoulder against the New England Patriots, but they have to see what he can do with substantial carries at some stage.

And if they want him to potentially take over from Robinson, that needs to be right now.

Robinson's got enough production to call upon previously for the Commanders not to put him in the proverbial shop window all that much. Fans are divided on the issue, but general manager Adam Peters always keeps the bigger picture in mind with a firm focus on the team's long-term future.

If he thinks getting something back in return for Robinson is worth the risk, he won't hesitate. And just how much he's on the field at Northwest Stadium with the primetime spotlight glaring will be the telltale sign fans have craved one way or another.

The situation is precarious for Robinson. And in all honesty, his fate might already be decided regardless of how he performs.

After all, actions speak much louder than words.

More Commanders news and analysis


This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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