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It has been a strange summer for Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., as he went from lead dog to the bench. And the trade rumors have hit full force. Furthermore, he’s one of two surprising preseason roster cuts to watch out for before Week 1.
Robinson didn’t suit up in Monday night’s preseason finale against the Bengals. The handwriting is on the wall as Robinson is no longer seen as the guy who can be the lead back in what figures to be a dynamic offense.
The Commanders have talked to Robinson about his status with the team, according to NFL.com.
“There’s just a lot of moving parts this time of year,” Quinn said via the team’s official transcript.
It’s possible the Commanders could outright cut Robinson if they don’t find a trade partner, according to bleacherreport.com.
The backfield mix is heavy, with Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. holding NFL experience. Plus, Deebo Samuel could see some carries each week, making the load lighter.
And then there’s rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt. He has looked fantastic in the summer. The seventh-round rookie probably solidified a bigger role with his 27-yard touchdown run against the Bengals on Monday night.
Quinn said the Commanders have been surprisingly deep in the backfield.
“Going into training camp, we really thought this was a deep room,” Quinn said. “There would be real competition. Demetric Felton and Kazmeir (Allen), Bill (Jacory Croskey-Merritt), and Eck (Austin Ekeler). And so we knew this was one of our strengths going into training camp.”
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said he likes the versatility of weapons from which he can choose on a given play.
“All six or seven guys in there have a place in this league,” Kingsbury said. “They all have dynamic traits, all have things to do really well. And guys, when they had their opportunity, have played at a high level. It’s a deep group and we just got to see how it shakes out.”
Quinn seems to have developed a fondness for Croskey-Merritt, who could be the steal of the NFL Draft if he emerges as the team’s Week 1 starter.
“Yeah, I thought early, what I liked was decisiveness,” Quinn said. “I thought, you know, certainly saw some of the big plays. And we’re still, you know, learning Bill in some ways. Not every run for every back is quite the same. Fortunately for us, with [Running Backs Coach Anthony Lynn] here, you know, we’ve got a real veteran in the running back room. That’s a big part of that.
“We’ve got a good sense for where [RB] Chris [Rodriguez] was coming in. But we wanted to get him more touches today, and Bill as well. So, with Austin and Jeremy, we were, you know, thinking a little bit less. And then as we get into next week, you know, Adam and I will visit, say who we want to feature...
