Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson (8) reacts after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders HC Ron Rivera: Brian Robinson could return in '22 after shooting

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/29/22

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said the team hasn't completely ruled out Brian Robinson playing this season after the rookie was shot twice over the weekend in an attempted carjacking.

"The doctors were very positive with him and he was very positive as well," Rivera said Monday, via ESPN. "He's very fortunate. He's doing well. It will be a matter of time before he's back out here. There's no timeline, but everything was very positive."

Ron Rivera says Brian Robinson is “doing well” and after visiting with him it was “kind of a relief.” Rivera said “there is no timeline” for Robinson’s return but sounds optimistic. “He’s a heck of a young man.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 29, 2022

According to police, Robinson was shot twice in an "attempted robbery" while driving into the District of Columbia for food early Sunday evening. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to a local hospital. ESPN reported that a firearm was recovered not far from the scene of the crime and that two suspects in the shooting have been identified.

Rivera addressed players before practice on Monday morning, as well as on the field.

Ron Rivera addressing the Commanders before practice pic.twitter.com/QAzAyuWzMe
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) August 29, 2022

"I just let them know it's a somber day and we expected it to be a tough day so just hang in there," Rivera said. "They rallied and practiced pretty dog gone good. They were able to focus. I know their hearts are heavy right now because a lot of them are thinking about Brian. But we're very fortunate, he's very fortunate that a lot of the news is positive."

Washington hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season-opener on Sept. 11.

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