Commanders given heart-stopping Brian Robinson Jr. injury scare vs. Cowboys

Brian Robinson Jr. has emerged as a prolific piece of the Washington Commanders offensive puzzle under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The running back showed tremendous promise in 2023 despite not being utilized enough by Eric Bieniemy. That was not a mistake the new regime planned to make.

Robinson is the focal point in the backfield. He's a powerful runner improving with every passing game. The former third-round pick spent some time on the sidelines through injury, but getting him back for the business end of the campaign represented a major boost.

Commanders get huge Brian Robinson Jr. injury scare vs. the Cowboys

Most analysts projected a big afternoon for Robinson in Week 12. The Dallas Cowboys boast one of the league's worst run defenses, so a heavy dose of the Alabama product was anticipated. It didn't take long for concerns to arise.

Robinson got folded up on his leg on Washington's first offensive play. He was down and lifeless for a brief period as medical staff tended to the player. It was an anxious wait for everyone associated with the Commanders, but seeing him walk off the field rather than being carted away was a huge boost.

The offensive weapon got additional treatment on the sidelines but didn't come straight back in immediately. Washington introduced Austin Ekeler into the lineup and relied more on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to get the job done with his legs.

It was an obviously anxious moment. This a testament to how important Robinson is to the team's plans of making the postseason and potentially advancing when the knockout rounds arrive.

He was eventually listed as questionable to return with an ankle injury. This is largely dependent on how he's feeling and whether the Commanders need him versus one of the league's bottom feeders.

Robinson's X-ray was negative and he returned to the lineup later in the first quarter. And just like that, the proverbial sigh of relief around Northwest Stadium was collective and defeaning in equal measure.

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