Kristina Roberts
Sometimes, in sports, a player’s future becomes uncertain even when they have been important for years. That seems to be the case for Brian Robinson Jr., the running back who has started for the Washington Commanders for the past three seasons. On Monday night, when the Commanders faced the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason game, Robinson was not on the field. Rumors of him being traded grew stronger, and the Commanders’ performance without him only added to the speculation.
The Commanders looked sharp, especially in their running game, as they easily broke through the Bengals’ weak defense. From the very first drive, it became clear that Washington could move the ball effectively even without their experienced starter. The opening drive was a show of pure running power. The team did not even need to throw a single pass. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. made the highlight of the drive by breaking free for a 40-yard run. That big play set up quarterback Jayden Daniels, who scrambled through defenders for a 14-yard touchdown. The Bengals’ defense looked helpless.
The second drive told the same story but with a different player. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick out of Arizona, stepped into the spotlight. He ran with confidence and power, gaining 32 rushing yards during the drive. The young player finished it in style, sprinting for a 27-yard touchdown. For a rookie in his first preseason, it was the perfect moment to show that he belonged in the NFL.
By the time the first half ended, Washington’s rushing numbers were impressive. Rodriguez had already collected 62 yards on six carries, averaging more than 10 yards each time he touched the ball. Croskey-Merritt added 32 yards on only two runs. Even wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who had one carry for 19 yards, and quarterback Daniels, with his 14-yard touchdown, joined the list of players who gashed the Bengals defense. All together, Washington gained 130 rushing yards in just 13 carries during the first half. That meant they were averaging an astonishing 10 yards per attempt. Against a defense that struggled last season, the Bengals looked like they had not improved at all.
Preseason games are tricky. Coaches often remind fans not to jump to conclusions because starters do not always play for long, and teams test different strategies. Still, what was clear in this game was that Washington’s running back group looked deep, strong, and ready, even without Brian Robinson Jr. The performance raised a big question: is Robinson’s time with the Commanders coming to an end?
Robinson has been a consistent player, giving Washington steady performances over three years. But in the NFL, the future of a player can change quickly. Younger, cheaper talent often replaces veterans when teams feel confident about moving forward. With Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt, and even Daniels contributing in the run game, Washington may feel that Robinson is no longer as necessary as before. That would explain the trade rumors surrounding him.
Meanwhile, for the Bengals, the night was a painful reminder of their biggest weakness. Their run defense has been a problem in the past, and Monday night showed that they may still struggle to stop opponents on the ground. While preseason does not always predict the regular season, fans in Cincinnati have reason to worry. Allowing big runs so easily does not inspire confidence for the games ahead.
The Commanders, on the other hand, left the field with a sense of direction. They know they have young runners who can step up. They also showed that their offensive line could create space, and their quarterback could be part of the rushing attack too. For fans in Washington, it was an encouraging sight. For Robinson, though, it may feel like the writing is on the wall.
Elsewhere in the NFL, another big update came from the Cleveland Browns. The team officially announced that Joe Flacco will start as quarterback in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This news was not surprising, as many expected Flacco to take the role. Still, the Browns’ quarterback situation is filled with uncertainty. Kenny Pickett, expected to be the backup, has not yet taken a snap this preseason due to injury. Rookie Shedeur Sanders has also been sidelined with an oblique injury. Another rookie, Dillon Gabriel, showed promise in his debut, making things even more interesting. With Flacco set to play in the preseason finale, there will be very few chances left for the other quarterbacks to prove themselves. How the Browns handle this will be worth watching.
Going back to Washington, the main story remains Robinson. NFL careers are often full of ups and downs. Players who seem secure one year may find themselves on the trade block the next. For Robinson, who fought hard to earn his spot and has been a reliable starter, the idea of leaving Washington may feel tough. But at the same time, football is a business, and teams must make decisions that they believe give them the best chance to win.
For now, fans can only wait to see what happens. Will Robinson be traded to another team where he can continue as a starter? Or will the Commanders keep him as part of their depth, even if younger players are stealing the spotlight? These questions will be answered in the coming weeks as the regular season approaches.
What is certain is that Monday’s game was a strong message. The Commanders showed they could run the ball with power and creativity, no matter who was on the field. The Bengals showed they still have serious defensive problems to solve. And Brian Robinson Jr., even without taking a single snap, became the biggest storyline of the night.
