Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr suffered an apparent injury in the club’s Week 12 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Here’s the latest after Sunday’s game.
What Happened to Brian Robinson Jr.?
Robinson stayed down on the field after suffering an ankle injury on the Commanders’ first offensive play.
Robinson’s right ankle was rolled under Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuma. While he was able to leave the field under his own power, Robinson had a limp as he departed and was assisted by Washington’s medical staff.
Damn, praying for Brian Robinson. Hopefully it looks worse than it is….🙏🏼 @barstoolsports pic.twitter.com/AHDaWW5vWn
— Andrew Tassara (@AndrewTassara) November 24, 2024
Robinson bypassed Washington’s medical tent, instead heading straight to the club’s locker room.
He initially returned to the field for the Commanders’ next series and handled four more rushing attempts during the first half.
However, Austin Ekeler handled every running back touch for Washington at the start of the third quarter, leading to another update on Robinson.
Did Robinson Return in Week 12?
While Robinson initially returned to the game, he didn’t come back in after he exited the contest a second time. While he was listed as questionable to return, Robinson was spotted standing on the sideline without his helmet and he didn’t play in the second half.
Robinson finished the contest with just five rushes for 13 yards and one reception for 11 yards. This game seemed like a smash spot for Robinson given Dallas’ awful run defense, as the Cowboys were allowing the second-most rushing touchdowns per game to RBs (1.3) and the seventh-most rushing yards per game to the position (111.1) entering Week 12.
However, Dallas held Washington’s backs to just 57 rushing yards and zero touchdowns. It was Jayden Daniels who did the most damage on the ground, rushing seven times for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Robinson’s 2024 campaign had already been injury-addled. A knee problem forced him to sit out in Week 6, while a hamstring injury cost him Weeks 9 and 10.
If Robinson misses time, Ekeler would typically handle the lion’s share of Washington’s backfield touches, but Ekeler also left Sunday’s game with a concussion and even went to a local hospital “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a team spokesperson. If Robinson and Ekeler are both sidelined, Jeremy McNichols would become a factor.
Fantasy Analysis of Robinson’s Injury
If healthy, Ekeler would be the next man up should Robinson miss time. The veteran back entered Week 12, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and boasting an 86.1% catch rate.
Ekeler made it clear this offseason that he had no interest in carrying a full workload, which reduces his fantasy appeal. However, at this point in the season, 12-15 touches are valuable, and that’s what we’d expect from Ekeler in this situation.
The Commanders get the Tennessee Titans next week before their Week 14 bye. The looming off week makes it wise to have a backup option ready if you roster Robinson.
— PFN Analyst Kyle Soppe