Commanders Move Down To 53, Keep RB Brian Robinson On Active Roster
Teams have until 3pm CT to trim their rosters to the regular-season 53-man limit. The Commanders have done so but did it without moving Brian Robinson off the roster.
Shot twice in the lower body Sunday, Robinson underwent surgery. Ron Rivera also expressed optimism the third-round rookie could play this season. Washington is following through on these hopes, keeping the rookie running back on its active roster. Here are the moves the Commanders made to reach the 53-man max Tuesday:
Released:
- CB Corn Elder
- WR Alex Erickson
Waived:
- T Alex Akingbulu
- DT David Bada
- TE Kendall Blanton
- RB Reggie Bonnafon
- DE William Bradley-King
- DT Tyler Clark
- WR Matt Cole
- S Ferrod Gardner
- DT Justin Hamilton
- TE Jake Hausmann
- LB Khaleke Hudson
- CB Danny Johnson
- G Nolan Laufenberg
- G Wes Martin
- WR Kyric McGowan
- WR Marken Michel
- T Aaron Monteiro
- CB DeJuan Neal
- DE Jacub Panasiuk
- S Steven Parker
- RB Jaret Patterson
- C Jon Toth
- LB Tre Walker
Placed on IR:
By keeping Robinson on their active roster, the Commanders opened the door to him not only playing in 2022. The team needed to carry the Alabama product through to its 53-man roster today in order to place him on short-term IR. An IR placement today would have ended Robinson’s season.
One of the gunshot wounds Robinson sustained hit his knee, but the bullet did not seriously damage ligaments, tendons or bone, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reports (video link). It is not a lock Robinson returns this season, per Garafolo, but the team is keeping its options open.
Robinson playing as a rookie would be obviously be a remarkable development. Prior to being shot, the Day 2 draftee had made a serious charge at the Commanders’ starting running back role. The team’s primary starter over the past two seasons, Antonio Gibson, remains on the roster, as do J.D. McKissic and Jonathan Williams. Robinson being moved to IR later this week will sideline him for at least four games — likely much longer, in this case — but allow him to return later this season, should he be cleared to do so.
The Chiefs, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter), also submitted a claim for Blanton recently, when the Rams waived him. It will be interesting to see if the young tight end generates any interest this week. Martin has generated consistent interest on the wire. The Commanders, who drafted the guard during the Bruce Allen regime, have made two waiver attempts to land him. The second one, earlier this month after the Jaguars cut Martin, was successful. It would not surprise if Martin is brought back via the practice squad — as several of Tuesday’s cuts will be — but he could also bring more interest on the wire.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/29/22
Teams have until 3pm Tuesday to slash their rosters from 80 to 53 players. Here are the Monday moves teams are making en route to doing so. The list will be updated throughout the day.
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: CB Jace Whittaker, S James Wiggins
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Darrell Baker
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: C Jimmy Murray
Buffalo Bills
- Waived: OL Jacob Capra, DE Daniel Joseph, DB Jordan Miller, OL Tanner Owen, WR Neil Pau’u, DB Josh Thomas
Chicago Bears
- Waived: S Jon Alexander, C Corey Dublin, WR Kevin Shaa
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on IR: DE Chris Odom (story)
- Released: WR Javon Wims
- Waived: WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, DT Glen Logan, S Jovante Moffatt, T Ben Petrula, DE Curtis Weaver
Denver Broncos
- Waived: CB Bless Austin, LB Jeremiah Gemmel, OL Sebastian Gutierrez, RB JaQuan Hardy
- Waived/injured: CB Donnie Lewis
Detroit Lions
- Released: QB Tim Boyle
- Waived: CB Mark Gilbert, WR Tom Kennedy, WR Kalil Pimpleton, CB Saivion Smith
Houston Texans
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Chester Rogers
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: QB Jack Coan
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Released: S Rudy Ford, K.C. McDermott
- Waived: LB Tyrell Adams, DL Auzoyah Alufohai, RB Ryquell Armstead, CB Benjie Franklin, DB Brandon Rusnak, LB Chapelle Russell, OL Badara Traore
Los Angeles Chargers
- Waived: LB Emeke Egbule, TE Sage Surratt
Miami Dolphins
- Released: OL Adam Pankey
- Waived: OL Blaise Andries, DL Owen Carney Jr., RB Gerrid Doaks, CB Elijah Hamilton, LB Darius Hodge, DT Niles Scott, RB ZaQuandre White, CB Quincy Wilson
- Placed on IR: LB Calvin Munson
- Waived/injured: CB D’Angelo Ross
Minnesota Vikings
- Released: CB Tye Smith
- Placed on IR: WR Olabisi Johnson (story), DL T.Y. McGill
- Waived: WR Myron Mitchell, T Timon Parris
New York Giants
- Waived: DB Yusuf Corker, WR Keelan Doss, DB Olaijah Griffin, OL Josh Rivas, K Ryan Santoso, OL Eric Smith, WR Travis Toivonen
New York Jets
- Waived: DE Bradlee Anae, WR Irvin Charles, CB Javelin Guidry, WR Calvin Jackson Jr., RB La’Mical Perine, LB Del’Shawn Phillips, QB Chris Streveler
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: CB Josh Blackwell, QB Carson Strong, OL Cameron Tom, DT Renell Wren
- Waived/injured: WR Greg Ward
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived: DL Ron’Dell Carter, CB Linden Stephens, TE Jace Sternberger
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: CB Ken Crawley
- Waived: OL Dohnovan West
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived: LB Andre Anthony, WR Jerreth Sterns
Tennessee Titans
- Released: S Adrian Colbert
- Waived: S Tyree Gillespie, OL Willie Wright
Washington Commanders
- Waived: DT Tyler Clark, DE Jacub Panasiuk, DB Steven Parker
Commanders RB Brian Robinson Shot In Attempted Robbery
AUGUST 29: Echoing Rivera’s comments from last night, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Robinson hasn’t been ruled out of returning to game action at some point this season (Twitter link).
9:09pm: The Commanders confirmed Robinson’s injuries are not life-threatening, and after visiting with the rookie running back in the hospital, Ron Rivera described him as “in good spirits.” Rivera added (on Twitter) that Robinson is eyeing a return to “doing what he does best” soon.
AUGUST 28, 6:48pm: Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson was the victim of an attempted robbery, and suffered gunshot wounds, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (Twitter link). He adds, fortunately, that Robinson is currently in stable condition. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets that Robinson was shot “multiple times” during an attempted carjacking. His injuries are considered non-life-threatening. 
The 23-year-old was taken in the third round of this year’s draft. His impressive performances in the spring and summer led to reports that he could be in line for the No. 1 spot, ahead of Antonio Gibson. Robinson took on a larger offensive workload earlier in the preseason, whereas Gibson was used as a kick returner for the first time in his career.
Robinson also sat last night’s preseason finale, another sign that he was poised to work with the starting offense. The Alabama product put up middling numbers until his final year with the Crimson Tide; in 2021, he ran for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns, adding another 296 yards and two majors in the passing game. That production, along with his work in training camp, had made him one of the most talked-about Commanders players heading into the season.
In the (likely) event Robinson misses significant time, Washington will have the choice of giving Gibson a similar workload to the one he had last season (258 carries, 52 targets). Another young option in the backfield would be 2021 UFFA Jaret Patterson, who had a hugely productive college career and recorded 339 scrimmage yards as a rookie. Much will depend, no doubt, on Robinson’s recovery.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/28/22
We will keep track of today’s minor moves right here:
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: P Cameron Dicker
Chicago Bears
- Waived (non-football illness): OL Jean Delance
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: DE Curtis Weaver
Dallas Cowboys
- Waived: DE Markaviest Bryant, T Amon Simon, OL James Empey, WR T.J. Vasher
Green Bay Packers
- Waived: LB Ty Summers
Las Vegas Raiders:
- Placed on IR: RT Brandon Parker, DT Tyler Lancaster, LB Tae Davis (story)
- Waived: TE Nicke Bowers, WR Justin Hall
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: DL Josh Black, RB Abram Smith, OL Khalique Washington, CB Brian Allen, T Derrick Kelly, CB Quenton Meeks
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: CB Ka’dar Hollman
Seattle Seahawks
- Waived: CB Jameson Houston, TE Cade Brewer, LB Aaron Donkor, RB Ronnie Rivers
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: CB Tre Brown
Washington Commanders
- Released via injury settlement: DE Bunmi Rotimi
Summers is a 2019 seventh-round pick who has just one career start but who has established himself as a key contributor on Green Bay’s special teams unit over his first three seasons in the league. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com expects the TCU product to generate interest on the waiver wire (Twitter link). Indeed, Packers HC Matt LaFleur said that the team made the decision to part ways with Summers now in order to give him a chance to hook on with a new club before the wave of impending cuts that will soon flood the market (Twitter link via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com).
The Seahawks’ decision to move Brown to the PUP list means that he will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season. That marks a disappointing start to his second NFL campaign; the fourth-rounder had two separate IR stints last year. That limited him to just five games (three starts), during which he registered 10 tackles and one pass deflection. Seattle has seen plenty of roster turnover at the CB position this offseason, leaving Brown in line for at least a rotational role. In his absence, the team will rely even more on starters Sidney Jones and Artie Burns, with rookies Coby Bryant likely to play in the slot.
Latest On Chase Young’s Timetable
The Commanders moving Chase Young to their reserve/PUP list sidelines him for at least four games, but Young may not make his debut in Week 5. A longer layoff appears in the cards.
Young is not expected back until closer to midseason, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports notes. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year is recovering from a right ACL tear, and the reconstructive surgery required a graft from his left patellar tendon. This has pointed to a longer rehab timetable.
Ron Rivera called Young’s ACL tear a bit more severe than Logan Thomas‘. Despite suffering his ACL tear in mid-December, Thomas came off Washington’s active/PUP list earlier this week. Young went down Nov. 14. Week 10 — a Monday-night game against the Eagles — would mark a year since the injury. Though, a precise return date will likely not be known for a bit. Washington’s bye week is not until Week 14.
Although Montez Sweat is healthy, after the team’s 2019 first-round pick missed a chunk of last season due to injury, the Commanders did not make any notable investments to fill in for Young during the season’s first half. The team has former seventh-round pick James Smith-Williams, who made six starts last season, and third-year edge Casey Toohill. A former seventh-round Eagles pick, Toohill also made six 2021 starts. The two combined for 3.5 sacks last season.
Young, 23, was not as effective in 2021 as he was during a standout rookie season. The Commanders being cautious with the former No. 2 overall pick should be the expectation, given his potential long-term future with the team. A lot will be on Sweat and the team’s bevy of acclaimed interior D-linemen until the Commanders’ front-four anchor returns.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/25/22
Today’s minor moves around the NFL:
Baltimore Ravens
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DL Trent Harris
Buffalo Bills
- Waived/failed physical: WR Bailey Gaither
Carolina Panthers
- Released from IR via injury settlement: CB Duke Dawson
Chicago Bears
- Released from IR via injury settlement: CB Jayson Stanley
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LB Jeremiah Gemmel
- Waived (injured): LB Barrington Wade
Houston Texans
- Signed: K Matt Ammendola
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: K Jake Verity
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released from IR via injury settlement: RB Derrick Gore
New York Giants
- Waived: C Chris Owens
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Robert Foster
Philadelphia Eagles
- Re-Signed: CB Josh Blackwell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived (injured): WR Cyril Grayson
- Released from IR via injury settlement: T Jonathan Hubbard
Washington Commanders
- Released from IR via injury settlement: S Nathan Gerry
NFL Workouts: Seahawks, Jets, Commanders, Texans
The Seahawks may be close to bringing Kenny Young back to the NFC West. Seattle hosted the veteran linebacker on a visit over the weekend, reports ESPN’s Field Yates (on Twitter).
The 27-year-old began his career with the Ravens in 2018. By the midway point of his second season, however, he had been traded to the Rams, with whom he made 13 starts in 32 appearances. This past October, the UCLA product found himself being traded again, this time to the Broncos.
Young’s tenure in Denver – only six games in length, but one which saw him play the second-highest snap share of his career – landed him a contract with the Raiders in May. He was released last week, however, leaving him in need of a new landing spot. The Seahawks are projected to start Jordyn Brooks and Cody Barton at linebacker this season, but they could use depth at the second level after parting ways with Bobby Wagner and electing not to reunite with K.J. Wright this offseason.
Here’s a quick round-up of some other recent workouts around the NFL:
- A pair of defensive tackles also held visits. Per Yates, the Jets hosted Sheldon Day this past weekend (Twitter link). A fourth-round pick of the Jaguars in 2016, the 28-year-old lasted less than two years in Duval County; he is best known for his time spent with the 49ers. After two-plus seasons in San Francisco, the journeyman has most recently played with the Colts and Browns.
- The Commanders likewise met with former first-rounder Malcom Brown. A consistent contributor with the Patriots to start his career (totaling 186 tackles and 8.5 sacks), the Texas alum has since spent time with the Saints and Jaguars, starting every game he appeared in along the way. His career-high 57 tackles last season point to a continued ability against the run, though Washington boasts a deep defensive line which would likely leave Brown with a diminished role.
- Lastly, the Texans could have a new kicker in the near future. Ka’imi Fairbairn has suffered a minor injury which will cause him to at least miss the team’s preseason finale tomorrow (Twitter link via Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson). In need of a short-term replacement, Houston worked out Matt Ammendola today. The 25-year-old made 11 appearances with the Jets as a rookie last year, converting 13 of 19 field goals (68.4%). He also visited the Packers earlier this week, as they remain unsure if Mason Crosby will be able to suit up for Week 1. With the Texans now in a similar situation, Ammendola could have multiple suitors.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/24/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): CB Darrell Baker
Atlanta Falcons
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): DT Jalen Dalton
- Released via injury settlement: CB Cornell Armstrong
Baltimore Ravens
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): WR Slade Bolden
Carolina Panthers
- Released via injury settlement: LB Khalan Tolson
Dallas Cowboys
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): LB Christian Sam
Denver Broncos
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): T Casey Tucker
- Released via injury settlement: DE Marquiss Spencer
Detroit Lions
- Released via injury settlement: S Brady Breeze
Green Bay Packers
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): WR Danny Davis, S Vernon Scott
- Released via injury settlement: OL Cole Schneider, CB Donte Vaughn
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released via injury settlement: WR Gary Jennings Jr.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): CB Tevaughn Campbell, LB Damon Lloyd, DE Ty Shelby
Miami Dolphins
- Released via injury settlement: CB Tino Ellis
New Orleans Saints
- Released: T Jerald Hawkins
New York Giants
- Signed: TE Tanner Hudson
- Claimed off waivers (from Vikings): CB Harrison Hand
- Claimed off waivers (from Ravens): WRs Bailey Gaither and Jaylon Moore
- Released: TE Jordan Akins
- Placed on IR: WRs Collin Johnson, Marcus Kemp (story)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released via injury settlement: CB Jimmy Moreland
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Claimed off waivers (from Jets): S Elijah Riley
- Released via injury settlement: LB Tuzar Skipper, RB Master Teague
- Released: S Donovan Stiner
San Francisco 49ers
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): OL Sam Schlueter
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: RB Ronnie Rivers
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: LB Jon Rhattigan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Reverted to IR (from waivers): WR Bug Howard
Tennessee Titans
- Released via injury settlement: CB Shakur Brown
Washington Commanders
- Claimed off waivers (from Jaguars): OL Wes Martin
- Released: CB Channing Stribling
The biggest storyline of the day for the Giants was the injury to Johnson, but they have been busy at other positions as well. Hand was a fifth-round pick of the Vikings in 2020, making 23 appearances during his time there. He primarily played on special teams, but registered an interception and three pass breakups as a rookie. Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News tweets that Minnesota was interested in re-signing him had he cleared waivers.
The release of Akins is somewhat surprising, given the Giants’ question marks at the tight end position. The former Texans third-rounder signed just before the draft, where New York added Daniel Bellinger in the fourth round. The latter had a brief stint on the PUP list at the start of training camp, but, if healthy, could be the favorite to take on Evan Engram‘s vacated starting spot.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/23/22
Tuesday marked the day teams were forced to cut down from 85 to 80 players. Here are the moves teams made made to reach the new maximum. Players who land on the reserve/PUP or reserve/NFI list must miss at least the first four regular-season games.
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: P Nolan Cooney, CB Cortez Davis, TE Josh Hokit, RB T.J. Pledger
- Waived/injured: CB Darrell Baker Jr.
Atlanta Falcons
- Released: WR Geronimo Allison, CB Lafayette Pitts, WR Auden Tate
- Waived: OLB Kuony Deng
- Waived/injured: DL Jalen Dalton
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: ILB Diego Fagot, WR Bailey Gaither, T Jaryd Jones-Smith
- Waived/injured: WR Slade Bolden
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on IR: QB Matt Corral (story), CB Duke Dawson
- Waived: TE Jared Scott
Chicago Bears
- Released: T Julie’n Davenport
- Waived: FB Jake Bargas, CB BoPete Keyes, DT LaCale London, WR Dazz Newsome
Cincinnati Bengals
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: S Brandon Wilson
- Waived: QB Drew Plitt
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on IR: TE Jeremy Sprinkle
- Waived/injured: LB Christian Sam
- Waived: K Lirim Hajrullahu, CB Quandre Mosely, WR Jaquarii Roberson
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DB Kyron Brown, WR Ty Fryfogle, RB Ryan Nall
Detroit Lions
- Waived: LB Shaun Dion Hamilton
Green Bay Packers
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: RB Kylin Hill
- Waived: WR Danny Davis
- Waived/injured: S Vernon Scott
Houston Texans
- Placed on reserve/non-football illness list: WR John Metchie (story)
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: C Alex Mollette, RB C.J. Verdell
Kansas City Chiefs
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: T Lucas Niang
- Placed on IR: RB Derrick Gore
Las Vegas Raiders
- Released: CB Chris Jones
- Waived: WR Chris Lacy
- Waived/injured: CB Cre’von LeBlanc
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Michael Jacquet
- Waived/injured: CB Tevaughn Campbell, LB Damon Lloyd, OLB Ty Shelby
- Placed on reserve/NFI list: TE Stone Smartt
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: LB Ryan Connelly, WR Blake Proehl
- Waived: TE Shaun Beyer, CB Harrison Hand
New England Patriots
- Placed on IR: LB Ronnie Perkins
- Placed on reserve/NFI list: OL Andrew Stueber
New Orleans Saints
- Released from IR via injury settlement: T Sage Doxtater, DT Jaleel Johnson
New York Giants
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: OL Nick Gates, T Matt Peart
- Placed on IR: ILB Darrian Beavers (story), TE Andre Miller, TE Ricky Seals-Jones
New York Jets
- Released: OL Caleb Benenoch, LB Kai Nacua
- Waived: S Elijah Riley, OL Isaiah Williams
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: TE Tyree Jackson, OL Brett Toth
- Waived: CB Josh Blackwell, RB DeAndre Torrey, T Jarrid Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: OLB Genard Avery
- Waived: WR Christian Blake, RB Mataeo Durant, QB Chris Oladokun, K Nick Sciba
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: DT Kalia Davis, CB Jason Verrett (story)
- Released: TE Tanner Hudson
- Waived: LB Jeremiah Gemmel
- Waived/injured: OL Sam Schlueter
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: TE Cade Brewer
- Waived: G Shamarious Gilmore
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived/injured: TE Bug Howard
Tennessee Titans
- Placed on reserve/PUP list: K Caleb Shudak
Washington Commanders
- Released: T Rashod Hill
- Placed on IR: LB Nathan Gerry
- Waived: WR Kelvin Harmon
- Released from IR via injury settlement: TE Sammis Reyes
Commanders Place Chase Young On Reserve/PUP List
Chase Young was not expected to return for the start of the Commanders’ season. The team’s Tuesday transaction involving the standout defensive end will ensure he is not back until October.
Washington moved Young from the active/PUP list to the reserve/PUP list today, a decision that will sideline the third-year pass rusher for at least the season’s first four games. Teams can begin designating reserve/PUP players today; Washington also moved offensive lineman Tyler Larsen to that list.
It is unsurprising the team is being cautious with the former Defensive Rookie of the Year. Young suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 14, 2021. Beginning the season on the Commanders’ PUP list will extend his recovery timetable to nearly 11 months. Young, 23, will miss games against the Jaguars, Lions, Eagles and Cowboys.
Last season brought a step back on multiple fronts for Young, who played a major role in lifting Washington to the 2020 NFC East title. Prior to the injury, the Ohio State product registered just 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in nine games. As a rookie the year prior, the No. 2 overall pick totaled 7.5 sacks and forced four fumbles, returning one for a touchdown.
Washington dealt with injuries to Young and Montez Sweat last season, one that featured the same number of wins as its 2020 campaign (seven) but a finish well back of the division-leading Cowboys. This could be the final year the team deploys its starting D-line of the past two seasons, with Daron Payne in a contract year. Sweat is signed through 2023, via the fifth-year option, and Young will become extension-eligible in January.
A 2022 bounce-back year will obviously help put Young in position to become one of the league’s highest-paid defenders, but his journey back will not involve game action for a bit.