Commanders' Brian Robinson Jr. Reportedly Won't Play vs. Bengals Amid NFL Trade Rumors

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. won't suit up during the team's preseason matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Per Garafolo, Robinson and the Commanders reached a "mutual decision" to keep him out of the game due to his uncertain future with the team.

On Sunday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Washington has been shopping the running back on the trade market.

Robinson is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has a $3.4 million base salary for the 2025 season.

It's understandable that both sides seemingly want to avoid a preseason appearance, given his murky future with the team as well as the possibility of an injury, which would complicate a trade agreement being reached.

The Commanders drafted Robinson in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, and he appeared to be taking a step forward during his sophomore season in 2023, picking up 733 yards on the ground and 368 yards through the air.

He failed to exceed expectations during his 2024 campaign, though. Robinson rushed for 799 yards in 14 games, but only caught 20 passes for 159 yards.

The 26-year-old also owns a career average of just 4.1 yards per carry.

Washington may not be willing to hand Robinson a new deal once he hits free agency next year, as general manager Adam Peters wasn't part of the front office regime that drafted him in 2022. The Commanders also have a deep running back room that includes veteran Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and standout rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez will handle the bulk of the available carries on Monday with Robinson unavailable, per ESPN's John Keim.

Kickoff between Washington and Cincinnati is at 8 p.m. ET.