The injury bug has continued for the San Francisco 49ers, coming out of the second week of the preseason. As a result, they’ve continued to host workouts to get players in the building ahead of the season, looking to just get through this final week before preparing for Week 1.
One position where the 49ers have been beaten up is at running back. While they’ve been actively maintaining Christian McCaffrey’s workload, Isaac Guerendo is missing a couple of weeks with a shoulder issue.
Additionally, rookie
Jordan James is out for a few weeks with a broken finger, while Patrick Taylor and Corey Kiner left this weekend’s game with a dislocated shoulder and high-ankle sprain, respectively, keeping them both out multiple weeks as well.
That leaves the 49ers without much depth at running back, with Ke’Shawn Vaughn and recently signed Jeff Wilson Jr. as the lone healthy backs behind McCaffrey.
Given the number and the severity of injuries they’re facing in the running back room, could the 49ers look to swing a trade for a capable backup? Well, one option seems to be hitting the open market: Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr.
Robinson Jr., a third-round pick back in 2022 out of Alabama, had the best season of his career in 2024, rushing for 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.3 yards per carry. He’s predominantly been an early-down back throughout his career and has dealt with injuries in the past, but has started 37 games over his three-year career.
On Monday, it was reported that Robinson Jr. would be held out of Monday’s preseason game as the Commanders continued to shop him, with the potential of a release if a trade partner isn’t found.
“The Commanders could end up trying to trade Robinson over the next several days, one league source said,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. “If they don’t find a suitor, Washington could end up cutting Robinson, its primary back the past three seasons.”
Following Washington’s preseason game on Monday, head coach Dan Quinn seemingly confirmed the news, while not having any update on the situation.
“News like that’s always not easy,” Quinn said regarding the conversation with Robinson, via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
“I’ll give you an update once there’s one to share it with you.”
Robinson could play a similar role that Jordan Mason had if the 49ers were to trade for him, suiting up as an early-down back that could take some of the load off Christian McCaffrey early in the season.
Of course, the 49ers do have quite a few running backs on the roster, and Robinson would be one to keep for the entire season, so the team would have to figure out what the roster construction would look like when players return from injury.
Robinson doesn’t seem to have a high price tag attached to him compensation-wise, but the 49ers would be on the hook for his $3.4 million salary, which could be too hefty for their liking. They could also wait and see if the Commanders release the running back, but that would allow for a free-for-all in free agency.
Nonetheless, the 49ers badly need running back depth, and a solution may have just popped up.
