Commanders’ Brian Robinson Jr. shot multiple times in attempted robbery; team, Ron Rivera release statements

A day after serving the Commanders preseason finale in anticipation of a big role this regular season, rookie Brian Robinson Jr. shot multiple times as victim of attempted robbery, according to NFL media and NBC Sports Washington. Robinson, a third-round draft pick from Alabama this spring, is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries after an apparent carjacking attempt. per ESPN.

Robinson, 23, has now been hospitalized after at least two bullets hit his lower body during the attempted robbery, according to Tom Pelissero. His immediate future on the field is unclear.

The commanders released the following statement:

We have been notified that Brian Robinson Jr. was the victim of an attempted armed robbery or carjacking in Washington, DC. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated in hospital, where team officials are with him. We ask that you respect Brian’s privacy at this time.

Among those with Robinson and his family in hospital Sunday night were head coach Ron Rivera, team owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, president Jason Wright, general manager Martin Mayhew, director of mental health Barbara Roberts and medical director Anthony Casolaro, per The Washington Post. Rivera released the following statement on Twitter after visiting Robinson.

I just finished visiting Brian. He is in a good mood and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers and support. He wants his teammates to know that he appreciates them all for reaching out and that he loves them and will be back soon doing what he does best.

Robinson emerged this summer as the apparent frontrunner for Washington’s best running back job, even with incumbent Antonio Gibson having a 1,000-meter season under his belt. He scored a total of 16 goals in the Commanders’ first two preseason games, spinning around during training camp with Gibson as the club’s first-team ball carrier. At the very least, he was expected to open 2022 as a regular addition to Gibson in both run and pass play.

Robinson, a two-time Alabama national champion, spent five seasons with the Crimson Tide before entering the NFL, notably 1,400 rushing yards as a full-time starter in 2021.

In Robinson’s absence, veteran JD McKissic, a pass catching specialist, will likely see an uptick in touches alongside Gibson.