National Football League

Commanders' Brian Robinson put on IR as he recovers from shooting

Updated Sep. 1, 2022 4:16 p.m. ET

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson is reportedly progressing well after getting shot twice in the leg Sunday, but he'll still miss at least the first month of the 2022 NFL season.

Washington will place the rookie on short-term injured reserve, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday. While Robinson will be forced to miss at least four games, Rapoport doesn't expect him to miss much longer than that.

"It sounds like bad news, but in reality, it's not going to be bad news at all," Rapoport said on the NFL Network. "So much of this was a scary situation. … But it seems like he's been as fortunate as absolutely possible. He's going to be out the first four games of the season and no one is going to rush him because the Commanders didn't want the time to weigh on him. We do believe there's a chance of him returning in Week 5 though – which is crazy considering how serious this was."

Robinson was back at the team facility in recent days with his right leg wrapped up and was using crutches.

Commanders coach Ron Rivera told reporters Wednesday that Robinson has a "bright future" and that "until he’s ready to roll, we have no intention of putting him out there." General manager Martin Mayhew echoed that sentiment, noting how happy he is to hear that Robinson will be OK after getting shot.

"He is tremendously blessed and fortunate to be where he is," Mayhew said Wednesday. "Initially when you hear something like that, you worry about the guy living, and then you worry about his health long term, and then you worry about his ability to play football. And so for him to come through that situation the way that he did is a tremendous blessing."

The third-round rookie impressed in his limited action in the preseason. Robinson ran for 57 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown and added two receptions for 15 yards over two games.

In the meantime, Antonio Gibson is expected to be the Commanders' lead back after rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2021. J.D. McKissic, who's been more of a receiving running back, is listed second on the depth chart.

Washington kicks off its 2022 slate Sept. 11 at home against the Jaguars.