49ers Trade for Brian Robinson Shakes Up Washington Commanders Running Back Depth Chart

The Washington Commanders have officially moved on from running back Brian Robinson, trading the third-year rusher to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick. The move, confirmed on August 22, 2025, follows recent signs that Washington was preparing to part ways with Robinson, who had been the team’s presumptive lead back heading into the offseason.

Robinson’s exit opens a new chapter for both franchises. For the Commanders, it signals a reshuffling of the running back room, while for the 49ers, it provides needed insurance behind Christian McCaffrey. With the Commanders vacating over 200 touches from the backfield, fantasy football implications are significant across the board.

How the Brian Robinson Trade Impacts the Washington Commanders Running Backs

The trade of Brian Robinson directly impacts the Washington Commanders’ backfield, especially for fantasy football managers closely monitoring late-summer roster moves. With Robinson’s 225 total touches now up for grabs, the backfield dynamic enters a new era, led by a mix of proven veterans and promising newcomers.

Currently, Washington’s top backs include Austin Ekeler, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols. Ekeler remains the established third-down and two-minute drill option, offering leadership and pass-catching ability. However, the early-down workload is still up for grabs between Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, entering his third season, has struggled to lock down a consistent role and has even seen time on the practice squad. Croskey-Merritt, meanwhile, was a seventh-round pick in 2025 but has impressed coaches during training camp and preseason. His emergence likely gave Washington the confidence to move on from Robinson.

The rookie offers strong upside for fantasy football and real-world production. If he continues to build momentum, Croskey-Merritt could become the Commanders’ early-down workhorse by midseason, especially if Rodriguez fails to take command in Week 1. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Croskey-Merritt’s usage in Week 1, as his current late-round draft value could pay major dividends.

What the Brian Robinson Acquisition Means for the 49ers Backfield

The San Francisco 49ers, no strangers to running back injuries, made the trade for Robinson as a proactive depth move. Christian McCaffrey, the team’s superstar back, played just four games last season due to recurring injuries. With rookies and second-year players like Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James also dealing with health concerns during the offseason, the addition of Robinson is a logical step to solidify the position.

Robinson, despite not being known for explosive plays, has shown reliable production. Last season in Washington, he recorded 205 carries for 797 yards and eight touchdowns across just 12 starts. He also added 159 receiving yards on 20 receptions, making him a capable all-purpose option when needed.

With Guerendo just returning from injury and Jordan James still not at full strength, Robinson should immediately compete for the RB2 role. His skill set fits well with Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme, which often elevates mid-tier backs to fantasy stardom. Even if McCaffrey remains the clear starter, Robinson’s potential for goal-line and between-the-tackles work makes him a viable late-round fantasy option with upside.

Depth Chart Outlook and Fantasy Football Takeaways

• Austin Ekeler is the safest bet for consistent touches in Washington, particularly in PPR formats.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a potential breakout candidate who could seize the early-down job and become the team’s top fantasy asset.

• Chris Rodriguez Jr. is in the mix but hasn’t shown enough to confidently draft early in redraft leagues.

• Brian Robinson now offers RB2 insurance in a high-powered 49ers offense and should be rostered in all formats given McCaffrey’s injury history.

As teams finalize rosters over the coming weeks, fantasy managers should stay alert to updates from both camps. Training camp battles often decide season-long fantasy value, and in both Washington and San Francisco, the running back depth charts remain fluid heading into Week 1.

The Washington Commanders running backs situation is now one of the most closely-watched fantasy developments as preseason winds down.

For your information:

Who is the Commanders’ projected lead running back after Brian Robinson’s trade?
Austin Ekeler is expected to lead in passing downs, while rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is gaining momentum to handle early-down duties.

Is Jacory Croskey-Merritt worth drafting in fantasy football?
Yes, especially in deeper leagues or as a late-round stash. He has strong upside and could take over the lead role early in the season.

What does Brian Robinson’s trade mean for the 49ers backfield?
It provides depth and injury insurance. He could push for RB2 snaps behind Christian McCaffrey, especially in short-yardage situations.

Why did the Commanders trade Brian Robinson?
Washington was reportedly ready to move on, thanks to Croskey-Merritt’s preseason performance and the team’s desire to get younger at the position.

How many touches are available in Washington’s backfield after the trade?
Approximately 225 touches are now open, making it a critical situation to monitor for fantasy football owners.

Is Chris Rodriguez a viable fantasy option?
At the moment, he’s behind in the pecking order. He needs a strong preseason finish to warrant consideration in standard fantasy drafts.