WASHINGTON — Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson was "shot multiple times" Sunday, a source from the team told WUSA9 Sports Director Darren Haynes. The injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
According to DC police, the incident happened on the 1000 block of H Street Northeast around 5:30 p.m. and they believe the incident was a robbery attempt. The Commanders are currently in communication with police as they investigate, the source confirmed.
Police are currently on the lookout for two juvenile suspects, they confirmed in a tweet. Police say Robinson wrestled a gun away from one of the teens who tried to rob him before he was shot by a second teenager, who was also armed. Investigators believe the suspects are between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.
According to a police report, the running back was shot in the leg and the hip.
The Washington Commanders released a statement on Twitter sharing confirmed details about the Sunday evening incident, adding that Robinson is currently recovering in the hospital alongside team officials and asking the public to respect his privacy.
Head coach Ron Rivera said on Twitter that Robinson "is in good spirits and wanted me to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers & support."
Following practice on Monday, Rivera said Robinson is expected to make a full recovery.
Robinson has been one of the bright spots for the Commanders' offense during the preseason. Robinson tallied 26 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries in the Commanders' first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. He added 31 yards on eight carries in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Robinson didn't play against the Baltimore Ravens with his role in the offense solidified. According to a source close to the team, Robinson was expected to be named the starting running back for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Robinson was drafted by the Commanders this year in the 3rd round. He spent his college career at Alabama, leading the team with 1,343 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. “Brian’s been great. He’s a real serious guy, football is extremely important to him" said Commanders Offensive Coordinator Scott Turner. "He takes a lot of pride in being a physical runner, but he can run too. I was happy and impressed with him the way that he ran."
Robinson was a four-star recruit of Alabama back in 2017. He was the eighth-ranked running back in the nation. He didn’t disappoint in five seasons under Nick Saban despite splitting time with the likes of fellow NFLers Damien Harris, Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs. Last season was a true breakout for Robinson in Tuscaloosa.