Just over two weeks after sustaining 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 Northeast D.C. on Aug. 28, 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 but was back at the team's facility just two days after the incident. Washington decided to place him on the Non-Football Injury List, which will require him to miss at least the first four games of the 2022 season.
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, may potentially put 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. But that remains a long way away.
While cautiously optimistic about his return on Oct. 9 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 against 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.
