Commanders' Running Back 'Under Pressure' To Earn Snaps

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 10:55 PM ET

In his three NFL seasons, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. has been a consistent performer, without being the star back some thought he could develop into.

Posting at least 700+ rushing yards in each season, coupled with his best-ever return of eight rushing touchdowns last season, B-Rob now enters the final year of his rookie deal looking to show he deserves to stay beyond 2025.

To do that, he must prove he is worthy of getting the majority of snaps in Kilff KIngsbury's offense, with a handful of backs being used last year.

For former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who, when ranking all 32 starters, has Robinson at No. 21, there's pressure for the fourth-year back to get it done.

"Robinson once again profiles as the lead back in a deep Commanders RB room that includes Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.," Jones-Drew writes. "Newly acquired weapon Deebo Samuel could also be used out of the backfield, so Robinson is under pressure to take advantage of his opportunities and build on his career-best season of 2024, especially with 2025 being a contract year.

"Kliff Kingsbury likes what he's seen from Robinson during the offseason, so the physical, fourth-year pro should earn plenty of snaps if he can be effective behind an improved offensive line."

Robinson was by far the Commanders' best running back last season, with over 100 more attempts than Austin Ekeler and double the touchdowns, but as a receiver, B-Rob wasn't used as much compared to Austin (159 yards from 20 receptions compared to 366 yards from 35 receptions).

So it is there where Robinson has to improve because the one thing we know about a Kingsbury offense is that he likes his backs to be weapons in the passing game, too.

In a contract year, Robinson has it all to do to show he is worthy of sticking around beyond 2025, so when he gets his chances, he's got to make them count.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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