Following NFL Trade Rumors Brian Robinson Commanders
Following NFL trade rumors Brian Robinson Commanders, the Washington team sent a clear message in their preseason clash against the Cincinnati Bengals: they may no longer need Robinson Jr. to anchor their backfield.
With Robinson sidelined amid swirling trade rumors, Washington showcased a punishing ground attack that repeatedly tore through Cincinnati’s porous run defense. The performance not only put Robinson’s future further in doubt but also raised alarms about the Bengals’ ability to stop the run heading into the regular season.
Brian Robinson Jr. on the Way Out?
For the past three years, Brian Robinson Jr. has been a consistent starter for the Commanders. Yet his absence on Monday night felt telling. Reports around the league suggest that Washington is exploring trade options for the running back, and the way the team performed without him might accelerate that process.
On their opening drive, Washington needed just four plays to march 73 yards for a touchdown. Remarkably, not a single pass was thrown. Running back Chris Rodriguez exploded for a 40-yard burst before rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels capped the drive with a 14-yard scramble, weaving past multiple defenders for the score.
For a player rumored to be on the trading block, Robinson might be watching his replacement emerge right in front of him.
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5!!!!!!!!!!!
📺 #CINvsWAS ESPN pic.twitter.com/pQPEGDOLq9
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 19, 2025
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Makes His Case
If Rodriguez’s big run set the tone, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt made sure Washington did not lose momentum. The seventh-round pick out of Arizona wasted no time making an impression. On Washington’s second drive, he carried the ball twice for 32 yards, including a dazzling 27-yard touchdown run that left Cincinnati’s defense chasing shadows.
By halftime, Washington’s rushing numbers painted a brutal picture for Cincinnati.
- Chris Rodriguez: 6 carries, 62 yards (10.3 yards per carry)
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 2 carries, 32 yards (16 yards per carry)
- Jayden Daniels: 1 carry, 14 yards, 1 touchdown
- Deebo Samuel: 1 carry, 19 yards
All told, Washington piled up 130 rushing yards on just 13 carries in the first half. That’s an average of 10 yards per attempt, a staggering number at any level of football.
BILL 💸
📺 #CINvsWAS ESPN pic.twitter.com/mltwoCHhdh
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 19, 2025
Bengals Defense Still in Trouble
The Bengals’ run defense was a liability throughout the 2024 season, and early signs suggest little has changed. Preseason games are often considered unreliable indicators, as starters typically see limited snaps and playbooks are kept conservative. Still, what Cincinnati showed on Monday night hardly inspires confidence.
Missed tackles, blown assignments, and poor gap discipline were all on display as Washington’s running backs found open lanes with ease. If the Bengals cannot shore up their front seven before Week 1, they may find themselves in a dangerous hole in the AFC North, where run-heavy teams can punish even minor defensive lapses.
Around the NFL
Washington’s dominance was not the only headline of the day. Elsewhere in the league, several major storylines emerged:
- Browns confirm Joe Flacco as Week 1 starter: The Cleveland Browns officially named veteran Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for the season opener against Cincinnati. While the decision was widely expected, questions remain about the depth chart. Kenny Pickett has yet to take a preseason snap due to injury, rookie Shedeur Sanders is dealing with an oblique issue, and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel impressed in limited action. With only one preseason game left, the competition for backup roles is heating up.
- Matthew Stafford back at practice: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to the field Monday after dealing with an aggravated back injury. Head coach Sean McVay described Stafford’s situation as “day-to-day” and “very fluid,” noting that while it was positive to see him practice, the team will evaluate how his body responds before committing to game action.
- Browns sign Isaiah Bond after legal clearance: Wide receiver Isaiah Bond has signed a three-year, $3 million deal with the Browns. Bond, once projected as a mid-round draft pick, went undrafted due to legal concerns after being arrested weeks before the draft. A Texas grand jury declined to charge him, and Cleveland conducted additional vetting, including a polygraph test, before finalizing the deal.
What It All Means
For Washington, the takeaway is simple: their running game is deep, versatile, and potentially more dangerous than ever. Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt both looked explosive, while Daniels added another dimension with his mobility. If Robinson is traded, the Commanders may already have his successors in place.
For Cincinnati, the warning lights are flashing. Preseason or not, allowing an average of 10 yards per carry is unsustainable. Unless the Bengals find quick solutions, their 2025 season could start with the same defensive frustrations that derailed their 2024 campaign.
Bottom line: Washington may be preparing to move on from Brian Robinson Jr., but their backfield looks ready to thrive without him. Cincinnati, meanwhile, faces mounting questions about a defense that continues to look vulnerable at the worst possible time.
