The San Francisco 49ers made the trade for Brian Robinson Jr. official on Sunday, announcing the deal with the Washington Commanders. To make room on the roster, the team has waived WR Malik Knowles.
On Friday, it was reported that the 49ers acquired running back Brian Robinson in a trade with the Commanders. The trade has widely been praised by fans and media, especially considering the 49ers' dire need for help at the position. San Francisco was forced to part ways with two running backs (Patrick Taylor, Jr. and Corey Kiner) due to injury in the past week, and has been without rookie RB Jordan James for much of training camp. James did not play in any of the three preseason games.
The move has also been praised because Robinson should be an excellent backup to Christian McCaffrey, who is returning from two injuries and is reaching the age when many NFL running backs begin to slow down. Adding Robinson for the 2025 season could help take some wear and tear off McCaffrey's 29-year-old legs.
Saturday night, in his postgame press conference, following the team's 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan suggested Robinson was brought in to be McCaffrey's top backup. "We brought him here to be our two back. Always been a big fan of Brian," Shanahan said. "Loved him coming out of college. He's done really well going against him, and we were pumped that he was available and we were pumped that we were able to get him."
Robinson, a three-year vet, has been a solid running back for the Commanders. As a rookie, he rushed for 797 yards, despite playing in only 12 games (nine starts). In 2023, Robinson played in 15 games (with 15 starts) and rushed for 733 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns. But he was more prolific as a receiver out of the backfield that season, with 36 catches for 368 yards and four touchdowns.
Last season was Robinson's best on the ground. He rushed for 799 yards in 14 games (13 starts) and scored eight rushing touchdowns. In the 2024 postseason, Robinson rushed for 129 yards in three games, while scoring two touchdowns. He also added 22 yards and one touchdown as a receiver.
Robinson should be ready to play in the 49ers' season opener in Seattle on Sunday, September 7th.