Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Robinson set to make NFL debut 42 days after being shot

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/8/22

After returning to practice this week , Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is set to make his NFL debut, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The announcement comes just 41 days after the former Alabama Crimson Tide running back was shot multiple times in an attempted armed robbery. He suffered injuries to his glute and lower leg in the attack, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Commanders are activating rookie RB Brian Robinson Jr. today, putting him in line to make his NFL debut Sunday vs. the Titans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2022

While it's remarkable to hear Robinson Jr. is fully recovered physically, the 2022 third-round draft pick could also provide an immediate boost on the field.

The Commanders currently sit at 1-3, losing their last three games by an average of 13.3 points per game. Quarterback Carson Wentz has struggled mightily in the last two defeats, taking nine sacks in the team's Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and throwing two interceptions against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday.

Robinson Jr. could play a role in helping take some pressure off of Wentz, who is averaging 43 pass attempts per game this season.

And the team picked a good week to activate their rookie running back. In Week 5, the team faces a Tennessee Titans defense that allows 4.8 yards per run. In Week 1, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley ran 18 times for 164 yards and one touchdown, averaging 9.1 yards per carry.

More must-reads: