Brian Robinson Jr. shot multiple times by Commanders in attempted robbery; Team, Ron Rivera releases statements

A day after he skipped the Commanders’ preseason finale in anticipation of a big part this regular season, rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot multiple times as a victim of an attempted robbery NFL Media and NBC SportsWashington. Robinson, a third-round draft pick from Alabama this spring, is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries after an apparent carjacking attempt. via ESPN.

Robinson, 23, is now hospitalized after at least two bullets struck his lower body during the attempted robbery. after Tom Pelissero. His immediate future on the field is unclear.

The commanders released the following statement:

It has come to our attention that Brian Robinson Jr. was the victim of an attempted armed robbery or auto theft in Washington, DC. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated at the hospital, where team officials are with him at the scene. We ask that you respect Brian’s privacy at this time.

Among those who were in the hospital with Robinson and his family Sunday night were head coach Ron Rivera, team owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, president Jason Wright, general manager Martin Mayhew, director of mental wellbeing Barbara Roberts, and chief medical officer Anthony Casolaro officers. Per The Washington Post. Rivera published the following statement on Twitter after visiting Robinson.

I just finished visiting Brian. He is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support. He wants his teammates to know that he appreciates them all for reaching out and he loves them all and will soon be back doing what he does best.

Robinson emerged as the obvious frontrunner for Washington’s top running back job this summer, despite incumbent Antonio Gibson having a 1,000-yard season under his belt. He hit a total of 16 touches in the Commanders’ first two preseason games and alternated with Gibson as the club’s first-team ball carrier throughout training camp. At the very least, he should open in 2022 as a regular complement to Gibson in both the running and passing game.

A two-time national champion in Alabama, Robinson spent five seasons with the Crimson Tide before joining the NFL, notably eclipsing 1,400 rushing yards as a full-time starter in 2021.

In Robinson’s absence, veteran pass catcher JD McKissic will likely see an uptick in contacts alongside Gibson.