According to the latest 2026 depth chart data from Footballguys, Robinson is firmly positioned as a high-value backup in an Atlanta offense that has historically prioritized a dual-threat running game. The backup RB projections also highlight other names like Jordan James in San Francisco and Rico Dowdle in Pittsburgh.

Dowdle enters 2026 following a 2025 NFL season where he averaged a solid 4.6 yards per carry in relief roles, proving he can handle the physical toll of AFC North football. Similarly, Jordan James has become a trendy “insurance policy” for fantasy rosters, as his efficiency in the 49ers’ system, which famously turns backup runners into weekly starters.

Top 10 backup RBs for fantasy football

The 2026 landscape is unique because no team has ever successfully won a fantasy title without elite depth, and this year’s crop of “No. 2” runners is historically deep. Topping the list alongside Robinson are Pacheco (now in Detroit) and Jadarian Price in Seattle, who was averaging over 6.0 yards per touch during his college years.

Top 10 backup RBs to watch for fantasy leagues:

• ATL – Brian Robinson
• DET – Isiah Pacheco
• PHIL – Tank Bigsby
• SF – Jordan James
• PITT – Rico Dowdle
• SEA – Jadarian Price
• GB – Chris Brooks
• NOR – Devin Neal
• TB – Sean Tucker
• WAS – Kaytron Allen

Illustrating that every team needs a savior, and for fantasy managers, that savior might be Devin Neal in New Orleans or Kaytron Allen in Washington. Neal’s versatility in the passing game provides a safe floor for PPR leagues, while Allen is projected to handle short-yardage and goal-line duties.

Rounding out our top ten are Chris Brooks in Green Bay and Sean Tucker in Tampa Bay, both of whom have shown flashes of 100-yard game potential during the 2025 season. As teams prepare for the 2026 kickoff, savvy managers could prioritize these names on their draft boards.

It’s official. Brian Robinson got traded from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers. This means one problem solved for the NFC East team as they still have to solve the Terry McLaurin situation. However, how does their running back depth chart looks like now that Robinson is gone?

Much has been said about seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt climbing on the depth chart. The rookie has impressed throughout the preseason and is poised for relevancy. Also, there is Austin Ekeler, a proven NFL veteran that has always been productive. Chris Rodriguez Jr. also brings plenty of depth as he has also done good things recently. Finally, Jeremy McNichols could be the last piece on a loaded running back room.

Per Adam Schefter’s report, the ESPN insider said the Commanders are receiving a 2026 sixth-round pick. This seems low for a player who had 958 scrimmage yards with eight touchdowns. However, if your own team is actively shopping you, the market will adjust.

All eyeballs are on Croskey-Merritt

Even the team’s website is hyping up the rookie. Since his arrival, he has been so impressive that everyone is raving about him. He just mauled the Bengals in preseason. ‘JCM‘ had 11 carries for 46 yards that includes a 27-yard house call. As soon as he scored, the stadium erupted. Coincidentally, that might’ve been the final nail in the coffin for Brian Robinson’s stay in Washington. Now, he gets to play his part on the 49ers.

Many teammates have praised Croskey-Merrit’s vision and ability to get upfield. His cuts and intelligence have also made waves on the coaching staff. While the unofficial depth chart has him second to Ekeler, it wouldn’t be shocking at all if he ends up being the first in command.

There are other two names on the Commanders RB room

Aside from the names mentioned above, the Commanders also have Demetric Felton and Kazmeir Allen on the roster. However, it’s safe to say they will be either cut from the 53-man final roster or spend much of the season on the practice squad.

Felton was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. However, he’s been more lined up as a receiver than a running back in his few snaps as a pro. As for Allen, he was also first regarded as a wideout, then transitioned into the running back slot too. He has been an on-and-off presence on the team since 2023. Given the issue with Terry McLaurin, maybe the versatility is something the Commanders have in mind to keep them around.

Who understands the Washington Commanders? They have taken a not-so-used route during this offseason. After seeing Jayden Daniels deliver one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history, they’ve now decided to engage in a months-long contractual battle with their best wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, and now, it seems like they are shopping another key name on the offense.

Brian Robinson Jr. has been the best running back on the team for the last three years. However, it seems Washington would see him out if a good deal can be made. NFL insider, Jordan Schultz, reported that Brian Robinson Jr. will be shopped if someone manages to entice the Commanders enough.

Robinson was scheduled to be the starting back of the team. He is entering the final year of his contract and is poised to make $3.406 million in base salary. Jayden Daniels might have to rely on another running back for next season.

Brian Robinson might be a victim to a new face

Much has been said about seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt. However, when Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. are on the roster, you’d assume the one that loses his spot is not the starter. The Commanders think otherwise.

Robinson is fresh off a career-high eight touchdowns. He will have some suitors. As for the Commanders, it seems like Ekeler and rookie Croskey-Merritt will take the load of the running game.

Croskey-Merritt is making a run for the starting job

Ekeler is a proven veteran in the NFL. But, then again, it’s Croskey-Merritt impressing everyone on the staff. Commanders will play Croskey-Merritt in their second game of preseason against the Bengals. If he impresses, he will surely make the decision of promoting him an easier one.

Kliff Kingsbury has been a very good offensive coordinator for this team. Still, it’s not like the team has made it easy for him. He has to work without Terry McLaurin for now, which is Jayden Daniels‘ best weapon, but now he might need to change running back workloads as well.

Considering Alabama is a magnificent program to develop offensive players, especially running backs, Brian Robinson Jr worked hard to clincha spot in the NFL. That long awaited opportunity came when the Washington Commanders took him with the 98th overall pick in the third round of the2022 NFL Draft.

Nevertheless, when Brian Robinson Jr was showing flashes of his talent during the preseason with the Commanders, one incidentalmost changed his life forever. In this article, you will find more about this story including the running back’s age, weight, contract and injury.

How old is Brian Robinson Jr?

Brian Robinson Jr is23years old. He was born on March 22, 1999in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After remarkable seasons at Hillcrest High School, the call of his dreams arrived. The Crimson Tide wanted to recruit him to play at the college level. As an Alabama native, the running back won twice the National Championship (2017 and 2020) and was a First Team All-SEC player in 2021.

What is Brian Robinson Jr’sweight?

One of the biggest reasons why the Washington Commanders took Brian Robinson Jr in the 2022 NFL Draft was definitely his weight. At 225 pounds, he was one of the biggest running backs available. That power formula was giving results during the NFL Preseasonas he surpassed Antonio Gibson on Washington’s depth chart. The debut as a starter was so close, but, an accident changed all his plans.

Brian Robinson Jrcontract: What is his salary?

A few days after the 2022 NFL Draft, Brian Robinson Jr signed a four-year contract with the Washington Commanders worth $5.04 million. At the same time, the running back earned a $849,024 signing bonus.

Brian Robinson Jr injury: What happened in his accident?

After a very solid 2022 NFL preseason with the Washington Commanders, Brian Robinson Jr was ready to shine under the bright lights. Suddenly, on August 28, the national media reported that the Alabama prospect had been shot in a knee and a glute during an attempt to steal his car. Two armed men attacked Robinson after he left a restaurant in Near Northeast (Washington D.C).

The good news for Brian Robinson Jr? He saved his life and there was no structural damages in those body parts. Robinson was out of the hospital one day after the incident. Though the running back missed the first four games of the 2022 NFL regular season on the Injury Reserve list, now he is ready to help the Washington Commanders.