Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. to sit amid uncertain future - ESPN

LANDOVER, Md. — Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. will not play in Monday night's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, possibly signaling the end of his tenure with the franchise after three seasons.

The Commanders could end up trying to trade Robinson over the next several days, one league source said. If they don't find a suitor, Washington could end up cutting Robinson, its primary back the past three seasons.

Before the news about Robinson, one team source said that Monday's game would feature a heavy dose of third-year Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt at running back.

If and when they move on from Robinson, the Commanders would have just 10 players on the roster who were drafted before general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn were hired after the 2023 season.

Washington also has veteran Austin Ekeler in the backfield and plans to use receiver Deebo Samuel as a running back on occasion as well — like he had been used with the San Francisco 49ers.

They also have veteran Jeremy McNichols, who has now been with 10 franchises. McNichols impressed Washington's coaches last season when he rushed for a career-best 261 yards and four touchdowns last season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

On Friday, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury echoed what had become a common refrain at the Commanders' facility: They have a lot of running back depth. He singled out Rodriguez, Croskey-Merritt, McNichols and even Kazmeir Allen.

The Commanders have rotated their backs throughout camp, though Robinson was typically the first back to get work. But the coaches have suggested a running-back-by-committee situation.

«All six or seven guys in there have a place in