New Brian Robinson Jr. injury update provides glimmer of hope for Commanders

Brian Robinson Jr. getting injured on the first offensive play against the Dallas Cowboys came with grave concern attached. Not only when it came to the Washington Commanders' chances in Week 12, but for their overall outlook at the business end of the campaign sitting at 7-5 in the standings.

Robinson toughed it out and came back into the contest to his credit. The 2022 third-round pick looked like a shell of his normal self and was eventually taken out of the firing line for good after just five carries. Couple this with veteran dual-threat Austin Ekeler's scary concussion hit late in the contest on a kick return, a once-proud area of strength quickly became significantly depleted.

Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that Ekeler is in the NFL's concussion protocol after getting a precautionary check-over in hospital following the contest. Robinson's ankle complication is something the coaching staff are going to monitor closely heading into their crucial Week 13 showdown against the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium.

The Commanders' offense hasn't hit their lofty heights earlier in the campaign in recent weeks. Not having Robinson firing on all cylinders is a big reason why. If the former Alabama star and Ekeler are unable to go, Washington will be left with Jeremy McNichols to shoulder the load unless another reinforcement arrives.

A nervous few days await for fans with the Commanders' playoff aspirations hanging by a thread. Their cushion over fellow wildcard hopefuls is gone, replaced by trepidation and uncertainty where once there was nothing but supreme conviction.

Obviously, the medical assessments are the most important factor in this equation. That didn't stop Robinson from providing a promising outlook during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. is dealing with a high ankle sprain

Robinson revealed that he is dealing with an ankle sprain after suffering ligament damage versus the Cowboys. The backfield force added that he's feeling a lot better compared to Sunday, which provided a glimmer of hope that he could be involved in some capacity.

The Commanders have their Week 14 bye upcoming. That will give Robinson some extra time to recuperate before Washington embarks on its final four fixtures. Whether the coaching staff wants to risk him before this extended rest period is anyone's guess.

Washington is entering desperation territory in pursuit of making a surprise postseason appearance in Year 1 of the team's complete rebuild. They need all hands on deck. At the same time, they won't want to jeopardize Robinson's long-term outlook by putting him in harm's way when he isn't ready.

It would be a surprise if the Commanders risked Robinson right now. How the player responds to treatment and whether he can get involved in practice will ultimately determine his fate this weekend.

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