NFL Insiders: Washington Commanders elevate Brian Robinson Jr to No. 1 RB

Brian Robinson Jr. was preparing to be the Washington Commanders’ starting running back before he was involved in an August shooting. But after making his season debut last week, he’s getting ready to take on that No. 1 role.

Robinson will be Washington’s No. 1 running back Thursday night when the Commanders take on the Chicago Bears, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported. The former Alabama standout is going to take over the role Antonio Gibson held in his absence, and he’ll have quite an opportunity at hand against the Bears’ struggling run defense.

Robinson was shot twice during an armed robbery in Washington, D.C. in late August. He suffered gunshot wounds to his glute and lower leg, but made his return to the team facility a couple days later on crutches following surgery.

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The Commanders drafted Robinson third round of the 2022 NFL Draft after an impressive career at Alabama. Last year, he had a breakout year in the Crimson Tide backfield with 1,343 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns to help them reach the national championship game. He also proved to be a weapon in the passing game, totaling 14 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns.

Robinson made his NFL debut last week against the Tennessee Titans, taking nine carries for 22 yards. Now, he’s going to jump in to Washington’s running game against Chicago, which has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game this season entering Thursday’s matchup.

He also acknowledged the adversity he’s had to face earlier this month and explained why he’s the “king of adversity.”

“I guess I’m the king of adversity,” Robinson said. “I’ve been dealt with so much adversity in my life, I’ve just got to be stronger than what I’m up against. I’ve had my tests, just having to be away from ball, being away from the organization for a little while, to just kind of get myself together. The time was when was needed.”

Kickoff between the Commanders and Bears is coming up Thursday night at 8:20 p.m. ET on Prime Video.