The 2022 season has been pretty disastrous for the Washington Commanders through four weeks. They managed an ugly-ish win in Week 1, but have dropped their next three contests. It seems like every single time Washington finds any momentum, something goes wrong.
This week we got some news that perfectly demonstrates that exact point. Rookie running back Brian Robinson was activated off of the non-football-related injury list. That doesn’t mean he’ll play this week, but there’s a decent chance. Either way, Robinson is extremely close to returning.
Washington Commanders switch to Brian Robinson encapsulates 2022
Commanders going to start clock for Brian Robinson return. Starts Wednesday. He’s been cleared by doctors.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 3, 2022
That’s awesome news, obviously. The Washington running game was great in Week 4. Now imagine them with the player who was expected to be their primary back this season in the mix.
However, the Commanders are apparently not allowed to have nice things. Because that wasn’t the only rookie report over the last few days for Washington. Rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson is expected to miss 1-2 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Tough break for Commanders rookie WR Jahan Dotson, who could miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, according to coach Ron Rivera.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) October 3, 2022
Dotson has been a major part of the offense, and one of the best rookies in the NFL. He currently has 12 receptions for 152 yards and a team-leading four receiving touchdowns. The Commanders still have a great veteran duo of Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, but this will be a big blow to the struggling passing game.
There are so many issues with this team right now. Fans are discussing potential QB changes, as well as an overhaul of the coaching staff. Meanwhile, the defense has shown massive holes in several areas. So any good news that comes feels like a big victory. In typical Washington fashion though, it is immediately followed by a punch to the gut.
Robinson excited a lot of fans in the preseason. It will be great to see him and Antonio Gibson get a chance to work together. Having two running backs of that caliber could lead to Washington’s run game becoming top-tier.
However, Dotson’s been a legitimate OROY candidate through the first four weeks. And hamstring injuries never seem to just be a one-week deal. That’s the type of injury that nags for a while. So hopefully this isn’t a typical case.
With Dotson out, the run game might get more usage. And maybe Carson Wentz will look McLaurin’s way a little more early in games. This could give an opening for Dyami Brown to get a second chance as well.
But for now, it’s just bad news to take the air out of the good news. The Washington Commanders are 1-3. A debut of an exciting rookie would usually be cause for celebration at a time like this. This franchise is allergic to positive steps forward though.