Washington Commanders are moving on from Brian Robinson Jr., a rare true starter in today’s backfields, with a plan to roll in four RBs—Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez—potentially even eating salary to secure a draft-day asset. Fantasy managers should anticipate a crowded workload and shift expectations away from Robinson toward the quartet, especially if Ekeler anchors the ground game and return duties.

Meanwhile, Tyler Warren is highlighted in Colts coverage as a polished, sure-handed rookie tight end with strong yards-after-the-catch potential who could push TE1 status in mid-round drafts. Ladd McConkey has drawn high praise from Jim Harbaugh, hinting at a bigger role in 2025. In Washington, Terry McLaurin remains a focal point of the passing game, with trade chatter and lineup moves continuing to shape the Commanders’ fantasy map.

Washington’s backfield shakeup dominates preseason chatter as Brian Robinson Jr. looks primed for a possible exit via trade or release. With the fourth-year RB sidelined, rookies Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt seized the moment, combining for 73 yards on four carries behind the first unit in the Bengals tune-up. Rodriguez’s six carries for 62 yards and Croskey-Merritt’s 27-yard TD highlight a run-heavy attack, while the club weighs its 53-man roster and injury risk ahead of early September. The fallout factors into fantasy drafts as Washington weighs its options and the RB room faces a pivotal competition this week against the Ravens before final cuts.

The situation isn’t isolated to Washington. The article cites the broader trade market—fans recall deals like Mason and Mixon’s moves—to illustrate the kinds of value that can fetch late-round picks. If a trade doesn’t materialize, Washington is ready to move on, with $3.4 million owed for 2025 shaping decisions. In the wings, Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt are positioned as favorites to inherit Robinson’s workload, while veterans Felton, Allen and McNichols battle for roles and special-teams value as the rosters take shape.

Washington’s backfield is shifting. The Commanders reportedly will not rely on Brian Robinson Jr. in the immediate future as they shop him for a late-round pick, keeping him out of a preseason game to reduce injury risk. The move signals a broader reallocation of touches behind a bruiser-style runner, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols showing per-play efficiency that outpaces Robinson. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has flashed spark and quickness Washington covets at the position, suggesting a committee approach rather than a single workhorse. Ownership duties could tilt toward a multi-faceted attack that leans on zone reads and misdirection, leveraging Ekeler’s versatility and Deebo Samuel’s ball-handling usage in similar spread concepts. Fantasy managers should watch for movement by Robinson, but also the rapid reclamation of Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt as core depth with real-weekly upside. Washington’s roster decisions could redefine ceiling for the 2024 RB group, privileging efficiency, scheme-fit, and the ability to keep workloads manageable across a 16-game slate.

Washington’s 31-17 preseason loss to Cincinnati highlighted more winners than losers for fantasy-minded Commanders enthusiasts. Deebo Samuel’s debut injected immediate veteran juice, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. flashed a decisive, vision-forward style that could elevate Washington’s backfield. Luke McCaffrey faced a tougher road, Jaylin Lane impressed as a developing option, and Sam Hartman’s bumpier night underscored the quarterback competition’s murkiness. Frankie Luvu generated pressure and showed versatility, while backs like Croskey-Merritt signaled how crowded the room could get if a Robinson trade unfolds before Week 1.

Rodriguez’s 40-yard burst set the tone, Samuel’s first carry added a spark, and Lane’s third-down receptions suggested a path for a mid-round rookie to carve a role. Hartman’s shoulder concerns and Hartman’s early rhythm created questions about the immediate floor for the passing game, but Washington still ran a compact, multiple-back offense that could surprise fantasy managers if the depth chart clears. The Commanders now host Baltimore on a short week, making the final tune-up critical for roster decisions and early-season projections.

In short, Rodriguez and Lane emerged as the clearest fantasy-friendly signals, while Hartman’s health and the receiver grouping offer the most room for volatility. Samuel’s arrival keeps the offense dynamic, but the path to weekly production depends on roster rigidity and how Washington uses its revamped depth across both backfield and pass-catching roles. As the roster crystallizes, savvy fantasy players should watch how the Week 3 reps translate to real-season opportunity.