The Washington Commanders are off to a fantastic start to the 2024 season, with a 4-1 record through five games. While Jayden Daniels has been the biggest standout by a country mile, running back Brian Robinson has also played a big role.
Robinson is on pace to shatter his career-high in rushing yards after tallying 325 over his first five games that include two contests of 100 yards or more. He has also already tied his career-high in rushing touchdowns with five.
But Robinson entered the week as a question mark after sustaining an injury in last week's game. Despite not practicing all week, Robinson was given a questionable designation, which left hope that he might play. However, it turns out he will not.
Brian Robinson injury update
The Commanders have made it official and Robinson will not play in Week 6. He was downgraded from questionable to out, and Washington is also elevating fellow running back Chris Rodriguez to give the team more depth.
We have made the following roster moves:
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 12, 2024
-- Activated DE Efe Obada from the Reserve/PUP List and removed him from the injury report
-- Elevated RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. and CB Kevon Seymour from the practice squad
-- Downgraded RB Brian Robinson Jr. and LB Jordan Magee to OUT pic.twitter.com/GSfOaLNcVL
With Robinson sidelined, veteran back Austin Ekeler will get the start. Ekeler has been playing second fiddle to Robinson thus far, but he has been effective in his limited touches this season, tallying 150 rushing yards on just 19 carries to go along with 11 catches for another 151 yards.
Fantasy Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Austin Ekeler
Ekeler doesn't draw a great matchup against a Ravens defense ceding the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. However, his expected volume as the lead back is more than enough reason to start him in and of itself — but there's more to like here than just that.
Ekeler has been a steady contributor in the passing game so far this season and that should be the case even more now that his playing time will increase. And, the Ravens are giving up the 11th-most receiving yards to running backs per game.
The Commanders running back should absolutely be in lineups, and he's a borderline RB1 play at that.
