The Washington Commanders and running back Brian Robinson Jr. have emerged as a potential trade separation before the start of the NFL season.
Robinson is entering the final year of his contract with the Commanders.
To keep that option open, Washington has made a decision ahead of its preseason game Monday night against the Bengals.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Robinson won't suit up against Cincinnati.
"It’s a mutual decision between Robinson and the team, as a trade before the cut to the 53-man roster remains a possibility," Garafolo writes.
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Robinson was very solid for Washington in 2024. He ran for career highs in yards (799) and touchdowns (eight) while playing 14 games.
The depth chart has gotten crowded after the addition of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The Commanders also have Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
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They don't necessarily need Robinson. If they can move him ahead of his contract year for some kind of value, it might have a long-term positive impact in the nation's capital.
The fact that the two sides came to a mutual agreement to sit Robinson on Monday night suggests this is a very real possibility. They wouldn't get to this point without feeling like there really might be a deal coming.
Now the football world will wait a bit and see what happens. Running backs may be undervalued, but Robinson can still impact an offense in a positive way. It just might not be the Commanders.
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