“I’m optimistic about it, just in listening to everything I’ve heard,” Rivera mentioned. “It’s very promising. But … the plan is to start his clock on Wednesday and see how he does, and if he continues to progress, there’s a very good chance he’ll be able to play on Sunday.”
Once a participant on the non-football injury listing returns to observe, his group has three weeks to determine whether or not it can place him on the lively roster or depart him on the listing for the remainder of the season.
Robinson’s progress in restoration has pointed to a swift return as soon as his mandated 4 weeks on the listing expired. But his reintroduction to padded practices and his soccer conditioning might decide how quickly he’ll be out there to play.
“We also got to handle what he’s going to go through physically and mentally,” Rivera mentioned. “I mean, this is a different set of circumstances. I don’t know of any other player that I’ve coached that’s had to go through this.”
On the night of Aug. 28, Robinson was shot twice, within the knee and hip space, in what D.C. police described as an armed theft try by two male assailants. Robinson was taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and he underwent surgical procedure the next day.
According to Rivera, the bullet in Robinson’s knee averted any ligaments, tendons or bones, permitting for a faster restoration than if he had wanted a extra in depth restore.
Robinson was again on the group’s facility two days after the taking pictures, utilizing crutches and sporting a bag of Oreos for his fellow working backs. And roughly two weeks later, he was using a stationary bike and dealing with an athletic coach throughout observe to regain his energy and agility.
On Sept. 25, lower than a month after he was shot, Robinson ran routes throughout warmups forward of Washington’s Week 3 assembly with the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field, a promising signal of his continued restoration.
Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr., who was shot twice throughout an armed theft try lower than a month in the past, is out right here working routes. ? pic.twitter.com/7wOHWeDaY3
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 25, 2022
A 3rd-round select of Alabama, Robinson arrived in Washington as a possible enhance to a working backs room that already featured Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic. But Robinson rapidly proved he could possibly be far more all through organized group actions and coaching camp. Before his accidents, he was in line to earn time as a starter — maybe on a rotating foundation with Gibson, relying on the weekly sport plan.
Rivera envisioned having a dynamic set of rushers who might complement each other in talent set and dimension, very similar to the group he had with Carolina.
The lack of Robinson simply earlier than the season opener was a blow to the Commanders’ preliminary offensive plans, however they adjusted by conserving Jonathan Williams on the lively roster to give them a again with an identical enjoying type and dimension. Robinson’s return creates uncertainty for Williams — Rivera didn’t say whether or not he’ll keep on the 53-man roster as soon as Robinson is activated — however a jolt to the offense couldn’t come at a greater time.
Washington is reeling after three consecutive losses, together with two to NFC East opponents. The offense that impressed in Week 1 fizzled in subsequent weeks and now leads the league in sacks allowed (17) and has the bottom yards per play (4.61).
If there’s a vibrant spot, it has been the working sport, which picked up 142 yards (5.3 per carry) in opposition to the Cowboys. Robinson’s delayed debut ought to solely add to the assault.
“If we can continue to establish the run, it’s going to help with the passing game, which is going to slow down the pass rush, which is going to open some things up,” Rivera mentioned. “If you can get the pass rushers going sideways, it slows it down a little bit. And any time there’s the dual threat of a run-pass, it plays to our benefit. We’ve got to get to that. We’ve got to get better at that.”
Rivera mentioned rookie vast receiver Jahan Dotson could possibly be out for “a week or two” after struggling a hamstring injury in opposition to the Cowboys, and a number of individuals with information of the state of affairs mentioned proper sort out Sam Cosmi suffered a hand injury and will additionally miss time. Cosmi is predicted to see a physician Tuesday to study extra.
Rivera mentioned he feels “tremendous frustration” concerning the litany of accidents his group has suffered. Many gamers had been sidelined throughout coaching camp, and key gamers on either side of the ball had been nonetheless recovering because the season started.
“To lose a player of Jahan’s caliber who’s done a lot of good things for you, that’s even more frustrating,” Rivera mentioned.
Washington additionally will begin the clock on heart Tyler Larsen. He was on the bodily unable to carry out listing due to an Achilles’ injury, and his return ought to bolster the offensive line after it misplaced beginning heart Chase Roullier (knee) and backup Wes Schweitzer (concussion) earlier within the season.
Chase Young continues to be recovering from his ACL injury. The defensive finish is technically eligible to return to observe this week and start his 21-day activation window, however Rivera mentioned Young wants extra time and can proceed to work on the aspect at observe with trainers.
“He’s been doing very well, has been trending in the right direction,” Rivera mentioned. “… We have to wait and see where he is after this week. But the doctors are optimistic. They’ve been pretty promising as far as their reports. It’s just that they feel he needs a little bit more time.”
