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.