The Washington Commanders had been both going to launch or commerce their presumptive beginning operating again after the group let it’s recognized they had been prepared to maneuver on this week. And fortunately for them, they’ve discovered a commerce companion within the San Francisco 49ers, per ESPN’s Nicki Jhabvala. The 49ers reportedly will ship a 2026 sixth-round choose for the third-year again.
The group apparently started to bitter on Robinson towards the tip of final season, however they didn’t spend a lot draft capital on operating backs, opting to attend till the seventh spherical to take Jacory Croskey-Merritt with Decide 245. The excellent news for Washington is that Croskey-Merrit has confirmed his value in trainmen camp and preseason, giving the group the pliability to maneuver on from Robinson.
Commanders backfield fantasy fallout
With Robinson out of the image, the group now has Chris Rodriguez, Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols as their high 3 backs. There are 225 touches vacated with Robinson gone, giving somebody a giant enhance in work this yr.
We all know Ekeler isn’t going anyplace and may stay the highest intestine on third downs and the 4 minute drill, whereas the group probably seems to be to search out the very best match for the early down function between Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt. Rodriguez hasn’t had sufficient work to show himself because the no-doubt lead again going into his third yr. He’s even been despatched to the apply squad a pair instances. Neither again has nice draft capital, as Rodriguez went within the sixth spherical, so I count on Croskey-Merritt to get his shot on the job. That doesn’t imply Rodriguez gained’t be the starter come Week 1, however I do just like the rookie’s upside to take over the lead function because the season goes on. He’ll be value grabbing in redraft until his ADP skyrockets after this information.
49ers backfield fantasy fallout
Final season Robinson rushed 205 instances for 797 yards and eight touchdowns, whereas catching 20-of-25 targets for 159 additional yards by means of 12 begins. It was his greatest season in Washington statistically regardless of the shortened season. The 49ers backfield is continually in flux as a result of their backs can’t appear to remain wholesome. Final season Christian McCaffrey solely performed 4 video games because of accidents, however is once more slated to start out. Behind him are second yr participant Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James. Each have handled accidents this offseason, and while you add in McCaffrey’s damage danger, getting Robinson seems like a precaution.
Robinson isn’t a terrific runner by any means, however his capability between the tackles as a lead again is nice sufficient, and may very well be actually good in a Kyle Shanahan schemed run recreation. Guerendo performed properly in reduction of McCaffrey final season and just lately returned to apply. He ought to stay the RB2 for now, whereas Robinson mixes in to compete for that job as we begin the season. This makes each Robinson and Gurendo respectable late picks because of CMC’s damage historical past and Shanahan’s historical past of turning the vast majority of his operating backs into fantasy starters.
