Barely two weeks after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, Commanders running back Brian Robinson was spotted at Wednesday’s practice, getting in a light workout on the stationary bike before moving to a side field for ladder drills.
The victim of an attempted carjacking in the Near Northeast neighborhood of D.C. on August 28th, the third-round rookie out of Alabama was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center after being shot in the leg and glute, injuries that required emergency surgery. He was discharged the following day with the Commanders ultimately placing him on injured reserve, requiring him to miss at least four games.
Robinson was, by virtually all accounts, the most impressive running back throughout training camp and the Commanders’ three-game preseason slate, earning starter reps over incumbent Antonio Gibson and passing-down specialist J.D. McKissic. Robinson’s participation Wednesday, at least in some capacity, puts him on track to return when first eligible in Week 5, remarkable progress for a player whose life and career passed before his eyes just 17 days earlier.
While cautiously optimistic of his return October 9th against the Titans, the Commanders aren’t rushing their star ball-carrier in his rehab process, taking a methodical approach to the 23-year-old’s recovery from a vicious and unprovoked attack. In the interim, Gibson will continue to see the bulk of Washington’s rushing work with McKissic occupying his usual role as a receiver out of the backfield. The Commanders enjoyed a come-from-behind win in their season opener Sunday versus Jacksonville, anchored by strong performances from Curtis Samuel (72 yards on 12 touches) and Jahan Dotson, the latter accounting for two touchdowns in his NFL debut.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram